When he turned professional, undefeated super lightweight boxer Arnold Barboza Jr. didn’t have the advantage of being an Olympic medalist or a high-profile celebrity who typically start their fighting careers already basking in the warm spotlight of the media and fans. But the best of the best always finds a way to stand out, and Barboza, (25-0, 10 KOs) one of the hardest-working fighters in all of boxing, has proven his mettle with every step up the ladder… and now the world is taking notice.
South El Monte, California’s Barboza will be joining forces with Brains Bioceutical Corp., and adorning his ring attire with their logo, when he steps in the ring on Saturday, August 14, against WBA Fedecentro Champion Antonio “Tono” Moran (26-4-1, 19 KOs) of Mexico in the co-main event of a Top Rank-promoted event at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma and live on ESPN and ESPN+ (starts 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT). In the night’s main event, Joshua “El Profesor” Franco will meet Andrew “The Monster” Moloney for the third time in a 12-round super flyweight showdown.
“I am surprised and I’m not,” said Barboza of his success. “I didn’t always think I would be here, but when people see me in the gym working hard, they say they’re not surprised. Having the opportunity to partner with a global leader like Brains Bioceutical is an incredible opportunity for myself and the entire industry. CBD is the future of recovery and rest but there are a lot of cowboys in the industry. Brains is one of the only plant-based, EU-GMP certified producers with true clinical data and research using their Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient.”
Trained by his father, Arnold Sr., since starting boxing at the tender age of five, Barboza says it’s his father, a former kickboxer, who instilled in him the drive to work harder than everyone else. “My dad taught me the value of a good work ethic,” admitted Barboza. “It was always my dad pushing me to be 100%. In the gym, we are all business, but at home, he’s my dad. We chill and hang out. It’s a great relationship. He’s my hero.”
Barboza worked full-time as a unionized warehouse worker and later a paid sparring partner before the team behind former world champion (and future opponent) Mike Alvarado spotted something special in the then 23-year-old during a sparring session in 2015 and recommended him to Top Rank, his now long-time promotional firm. He was last seen scoring the biggest victory of his career in October 2020 when he notched an exciting but clear unanimous decision over fellow top-rated contender Alex Saucedo at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and live on pay-per-view. For his trouble, Barboza picked up the vacant World Boxing Organisation International Super Lightweight Championship with the victory.
“Arnold Barboza Jr. is the perfect type of hard-working achiever to represent Brains CBD and we are very proud to be partnering with him,” said Ricky Brar, CEO & Chairman, Brains Bioceutical Corp. “We are committed to producing CBD products that athletes can trust. Brains Pure products are made using the purest, plant-based, THC-free, cannabidiol (CBD) on the market. We have assembled a team of experts in both sport and science to offer a truly exceptional product, and we are proud to have Arnold Barboza Jr representing our brand.”
“This was a great chance for Arnold to partner with one of the biggest brands in the space, while also staying true to its effectiveness, post-training,” added Barboza manager, Rick Mirigian.
Standing 5′ 9″ with a 72″ reach, Barboza is the type of fighter who does everything well but he admits will always have a special place for his body punches. “I love attacking the body. I think I have a solid straight right hand, but the hook to the body really breaks down my opponents. I take a lot of pride in doing everything well. I can box and fight inside too. That makes me dangerous to anyone in the world. Normally if a fighter is a slugger, he’s not a good boxer and vice versa. I’ve worked hard all my life to be good at both. Now I’m ready for the world.”