Arnold Barboza Jr. (33-1, 11 KOs) secured a unanimous decision victory (117-111, 118-110, 120-108) over Kenneth Sims Jr. (22-4-1), as he eyed Ryan Garcia next.
The win marks Barboza’s first successful bout since his split-decision victory over Jack Catterall last year. The opening rounds were a cagey affair. Sims struggled with a low output, while Barboza remained the aggressor, controlling the center. Sims found a brief opening in the 4th and 6th rounds, landing pot-shots that momentarily tested Barboza’s balance. However, Barboza’s superior combination punching in the 8th round—specifically a jab that targeted Sims’ rapidly swelling right eye—halted any comeback attempt.
A clash of heads in the 11th round left Barboza with a stream of blood from his forehead. Rather than fading, Barboza intensified his pressure, closing the 12th round with a series of heavy jabs to seal the win. With the victory secured, Barboza wasted no time in calling out the current WBC Welterweight Champion, Ryan Garcia.
“I beat Sims convincingly, and I deserve a title shot. But boxing is crazy, and the deck of cards changes every week. I think I am the perfect fight for Ryan. It makes a lot of sense, and I am looking forward to it, if we can make it happen. I’m not a stay-busy fight for him. He’s going to have his hands full. I think it will be a really good fight,” Barboza said