Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, USA. In the main fight of the show in the super lightweight limit (up to 63.5 kg), previously unbeaten prospects Arnold Barbosa Jr. (27-0, 10 KOs) from the USA and Danielito Zorrilla (16-1, 12 KOs) from Puerto Rico met. The local fighter won.
An interesting stylistically confrontation began with Barbosa’s attempts to dictate the pace and distance of the fight. In response, Zorrilla countered very well – twice in a row he caught the favorite with a cross in response to jabs. The American tried to combine, aimed at the hull.
In the 2nd round, the fight went more open. Zorrilla got carried away with the attack and missed two nasty uppercuts in a row. In the last seconds of the three-minute period, he returned the favor with a wide overhand. Sweeping through the hand passed in the 3rd round. The Puerto Rican has excellent timing and is very good from a long distance, trying to catch Barbosa on the approach with an uppercut.
HEATING-UP @JrBarbozaArnold | #BarbozaZorrilla pic.twitter.com/aK7sntvsu4
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 16, 2022
In the 4th three-minute period, the favorite shook the Puerto Rican twice, but was in no hurry to develop the moment. Zorrilla was well crammed in the corner – at times, for some reason, he broke into a fight, rarely used a jab, often started attacks with sweeping right punches, falling behind them.
Right hand is finding a home for Zorrilla #BarbozaZorrilla | LIVE on @ESPN pic.twitter.com/hAER31H65d
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 16, 2022
Barbosa had a great 6th round: he combined, jabbed, boxed collectedly and carefully, hit a two. Zorrilla seemed to be tired. In the next three minutes, he picked up blows and switched to survival mode – clinching and cycling. There are fewer and fewer blows in response from the guest.
In the 8th and 9th rounds, the fight leveled off a little. Visual impression – Barbosa injured his right hand during the fight. The American really wanted to win ahead of schedule and almost paid for it. Missed a right hook in the final round and was forced to survive.
A dramatic final round #BarbozaZorrilla pic.twitter.com/n9oancYgcg
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 16, 2022
A good fight, during which both made a lot of childish mistakes. Barbosa must confidently win on the judges’ cards. Yes, it is: 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93.
Barbosa UD 10.
Previously there were rumorsthat Barbosa will test the ex-absolute champion with a division below his compatriot Teofimo Lopez in super lightweights, but he found an opponent easier…