Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs) is now the mandatory challenger for WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez after his 12-round split decision win over Jack Catterall (30-2, 13 KOs) on Saturday night in Manchester. Barboza Jr’s manager says Teofimo needs to fight him on Alcatraz island next in June or July.

(Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

Alcatraz Calling

That would be an interesting fight for the former Alcatraz prison. It would be a disaster potentially for Teo to lose to Barboza Jr. on that island, and be put in a position where his three-fight contract with Turki Al-Sheikh would be all losses. If you’re Turki, hopefully, he put an escape clause in his contract so he can dump Teofimo if he loses the Alcatraz fight.

Barboza Jr. would give Teofimo similar problems as Jamaine Ortiz did last year on February 8th. The difference is, Barboza Jr. wouldn’t run out of gas. If Teo wanted to fight Barboza, he would have already because he’s been his #1 contender for ages and has been calling him out. Teofimo won’t fight him and he knows that this guy would likely continue where George Kambosos Jr. left off.

It’s an Interim Belt. Relax buddy! Not classified as a world title. I don’t care what any of you make it seem. YOU KNOW WHO THE REAL CHAMPION IS 🦁 #TheTakeover

— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) February 16, 2025

Interestingly, many boxing fans feel this would be an easy win for Teofimo over Barboza, which suggests they’re not familiar with Arnold. If you saw tonight’s fight and his previous one against Jose Ramirez, you’ll know that he’s a nightmare for Teo. That’s what the Brooklyn, New York native wants nothing to do with him.

Teofimo still doesn’t have an opponent for his next fight, but there had been talk of him fighting a unification match against IBF champion Richardson Hitchins next. However, Hitchins’ promoter, Eddie Hearn, says there haven’t been deep conversations for that fight.

Catterall gave it a good try, but lost by the scores:

115-113 – Barboza Jr.
115-113 – Catterall
115-113 – Barboza Jr.

“We’re going to continue working and train harder than ever. I’ll be ready for the next one,” said Arnold Barboza Jr. at the post-fight press conference tonight following his win over Jack Catterall at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.