‘Pure chaos’ – Teofimo Lopez slaps Arnold Barboza in wild face-off as pair separated by security
Teofimo Lopez slapped Arnold Barboza as their pre-fight press conference threatened to spill over. Lopez and Barboza will meet in a huge super-lightweight showdown in a first ever boxing show in New York’s Times Square on May 2. DAZN BoxingLopez slapped Barboza in a crazy moment on stage[/caption] The pair came face-to-face in the second leg of their press tour, with tensions largely kept to a minimum in their first exchanges. But as the pair were brought to share a face-off, things got quickly out of hand. Barboza made the first move as he nudged Lopez’s hat from his head on to the ground. The champion then gave his rival a shove as promoter Oscar De La Hoya attempted to get in between the pair. But ‘The Takeover’ was clearly agitated and handed his belts to a member of his team. As they came back closer together, Lopez saw his opportunity and slapped his opponent with his left hand. Barboza was incensed and tried to charge towards his opponent but was dragged away by security. Lopez gave a wry smile after his cheap shot, which didn’t fully connect, happy he had got one up on his new foe. The stakes couldn’t be bigger in their clash with Barboza gunning to snatch the WBO title. He will be filled with confidence having recently edged past Jack Catterall on UK soil to earn his shot. GettyIt sparked chaos at the press conference[/caption] Lopez meanwhile hasn’t fought since June last year and will be looking forward to ending his hiatus, and getting his name back in the mix. He is on a six fight winning streak, with real momentum after his stunning defeat to George Kambosos Jr in November 2021. He was certainly in the mood to cause chaos, also trading insults on stage with Ryan Garcia. Garcia will be in action on the same card taking on Rolly Romero next in a comeback clash. And Lopez believes Barbosa is a stepping stone to bigger fights, which could include a huge showdown with ‘King Ry’. This is the biggest fight of his life, and this is just another stepping stone in my career, and we done that,” he said. GettyBarboza tried to fight back but the pair were held apart[/caption] “Put him in front of me and I’m always going to beat him. “We’re going to show everybody on May the 2nd, why we are the truth, and why we are the myth. “I look forward to what Arnold Barboza wants to bring to the table, but I guarantee you, it’s a lot different when you’re in the ring with me for sure.” Garcia himself called for a shot at Lopez, but the pair will need to pick up big wins on the historic bill. Lopez’s rival is also set to first rematch Devin Haney with a sequel planned in October, if the latter beats Jose Ramirez on the same slate. Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show. Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE
Teofimo Lopez slapped Arnold Barboza as their pre-fight press conference threatened to spill over.
Lopez and Barboza will meet in a huge super-lightweight showdown in a first ever boxing show in New York’s Times Square on May 2.
The pair came face-to-face in the second leg of their press tour, with tensions largely kept to a minimum in their first exchanges.
But as the pair were brought to share a face-off, things got quickly out of hand.
Barboza made the first move as he nudged Lopez’s hat from his head on to the ground.
The champion then gave his rival a shove as promoter Oscar De La Hoya attempted to get in between the pair.
But ‘The Takeover’ was clearly agitated and handed his belts to a member of his team.
As they came back closer together, Lopez saw his opportunity and slapped his opponent with his left hand.
Barboza was incensed and tried to charge towards his opponent but was dragged away by security.
Lopez gave a wry smile after his cheap shot, which didn’t fully connect, happy he had got one up on his new foe.
The stakes couldn’t be bigger in their clash with Barboza gunning to snatch the WBO title.
He will be filled with confidence having recently edged past Jack Catterall on UK soil to earn his shot.
Lopez meanwhile hasn’t fought since June last year and will be looking forward to ending his hiatus, and getting his name back in the mix.
He is on a six fight winning streak, with real momentum after his stunning defeat to George Kambosos Jr in November 2021.
He was certainly in the mood to cause chaos, also trading insults on stage with Ryan Garcia.
Garcia will be in action on the same card taking on Rolly Romero next in a comeback clash.
And Lopez believes Barbosa is a stepping stone to bigger fights, which could include a huge showdown with ‘King Ry’.
This is the biggest fight of his life, and this is just another stepping stone in my career, and we done that,” he said.
“Put him in front of me and I’m always going to beat him.
“We’re going to show everybody on May the 2nd, why we are the truth, and why we are the myth.
“I look forward to what Arnold Barboza wants to bring to the table, but I guarantee you, it’s a lot different when you’re in the ring with me for sure.”
Garcia himself called for a shot at Lopez, but the pair will need to pick up big wins on the historic bill.
Lopez’s rival is also set to first rematch Devin Haney with a sequel planned in October, if the latter beats Jose Ramirez on the same slate.
