Finding a great fighter isn’t very hard in a sport like boxing. However, discovering the best of the best takes a seasoned veteran, something Oscar De La Hoya has perfected. Top-tier boxers like Jaime Munguia and Vergil Ortiz Jr. are under Oscar’s promotional guidance. What’s more, the ‘Golden Boy’ himself has added a new name to the roaster. Who is that? It’s none other than the undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr. from Los Angeles, California.

Barboza Jr., 28-0, is coming off a win against Jose Pedraza that unfolded earlier this year. The Los Angeles native defeated Pedraza via unanimous division, defending his WBO Inter-Continental Super Lightweight title. However, he might soon face the biggest challenge of his career thus far. In a surprising turn of events, ‘Golden Boy’ turned to X to announce a new undercard fighter in the upcoming clash between Ryan Garcia and Oscar Duarte. 

Oscar De La Hoya signs Arnold Barboza Jr.

In a recent tweet, Oscar De La Hoya wrote, “Undefeated Super Lightweight fighter Arnold Barboza Jr. signs with Golden Boy Promotions.” However, this wasn’t the only piece of news De La Hoya had for the boxing world. Oscar’s starfighter Ryan Garcia is about to go toe-to-toe with Oscar Durate on December 2nd. 

So, in his tweet, De La Hoya revealed that Barboza Jr.’s first fight under Golden Boy Promotions will be held in the undercard of Ryan vs. Durate. “[Arnold Barboza Jr.] will be featured on the #𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞 fight card December 2nd in Houston, TX,” wrote De La Hoya. With that out of the way, what does Arnold have to say about signing with Golden Boy Promotions?

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Barboza claims he is ready for the big fights

Before signing with Golden Boy Promotions, the 28-0 boxer was promoted by Top Rank, but they recently parted ways. According to a report from Boxing Scene, Barboza seemed confident about achieving great things by signing with De La Hoya’s promotional company. “I’m ready for the big fights,” said Barboza.

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Barboza confidently expressed his readiness for massive events and eagerly anticipated fighting in Las Angeles, where he was born. In addition, the Las Angeles native believes that Oscar’s promotional company can deliver what he desires. “I feel that Golden Boy and Oscar will deliver this for me, and they stepped up and gave me what I asked for,” said Barboza.

By signing Barboza and including him in the undercard of the Ryan vs. Oscar fight, De La Hoya has solidified his commitment to nurturing rising talent in the sport. What do you think of Arnold Barboza Jr.? Who do you think Barboza should fight in the upcoming event?

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