Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona, USA. In the co-main event of the show in the super-lightweight limit (up to 63.5 kg), two near-tops of the division fought: the American Arnold Barbosa Jr. (28-0, 10 KOs) “thinly” defeated the conqueror of two divisions, Puerto Rican Jose Pedraza (29-5 -1, 14 KOs).
Underdog-guest worked as the first number. Barbosa shot back with a very solid jab, exploded in series, tried to catch with an uppercut. Pedraza worked well in defense with the body, did not forget to move his head, and scored a couple of good body punches.
He spent the 2nd round much better and more efficiently – he countered Barbosa well. He was forced to start working out a little more actively on his feet, throwing even more punches towards him. Pedraza sometimes forgot to work out with the body, too carelessly shortened the distance, which is why he missed a lot.
Cool fight. Cool boxing from Barbosa. But will he have enough functionality for the entire distance?
In the 5th round, Pedraza began boxing southpaw. For some reason, the favorite immediately wilted, the jab disappeared. It is possible that he is tired. Competitive fight after 6 rounds, but it is possible that the judges will give a little more to Barbosa.
Ending the round strong pic.twitter.com/Pj1AG7z9JU
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 4, 2023
In the 8th round, Pedraza forced the favorite to fight at close range. Both are very good today. But in exchanges, the ex-champion is more successful: he counters well with a left straight / cross, shook Barbosa shortly before the gong. It seems that the referee is slightly sympathetic to the American. He is allowed to do something that Pedraza cannot do – to push in an infighting with his shoulder.
.@JrBarbozaArnold finding the next gear pic.twitter.com/VxtJcE0JaX
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 4, 2023
A cool mahach went the whole distance. Perhaps a draw here is a very appropriate result. But it cannot be ruled out that the judges will be a little more “loyal” in favor of Barbosa.
UNTIL THE FINAL BELL @JrBarbozaArnold x @Sniper_Pedraza pic.twitter.com/8ttOJXkbX1
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 4, 2023
Judges cards: 97-93, 96-94 and 96-94 in favor of the American.
Barbosa UD 10.