Arnold Barboza Jr. Faces Welterweight Oblivion Without Ring Dates

Welterweight boxer Arnold Barboza Jr. is facing career stagnation due to a lack of scheduled fights. Despite holding the No. 3 ranking in the WBO, the 34-year-old fighter has not fought since defeating Kenneth Sims Jr. on March 14, 2026, to win the vacant WBO Global title. Barboza's passive performance in his 2025 loss to Teofimo Lopez has reportedly left top-tier opponents with little incentive to face him.

With major stars like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Lopez pursuing other matchups, a potential bout against Alexis Rocha is being suggested. Rocha also fought on the same Anaheim card in March, and a matchup between the two could serve as a headliner for DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions.