This is the most calculated matchup of the New York tournament.

While Garcia and Romero prefer aggressive, forward-moving boxing, and Haney vs. Ramirez pits an aggressor against a counterpuncher, here the situation is different.

Both Teofimo and Barboza are smart, technically skilled boxers.

Lopez spends more time actively pressing the action, while Barboza builds his offense around the jab and countering his opponent’s attacks.

This pairing could produce the most technical and restrained boxing of the night.

Barboza is 33 years old, but his younger opponent is the far more accomplished fighter.

Lopez has already become an undisputed champion, fought Vasiliy Lomachenko, George Kambosos, Sandor Martin, Jamaine Ortiz, and Josh Taylor.

Barboza’s résumé, in contrast, includes a win over Jose Carlos Ramirez and a few decent names — Antonio Pedraza (already past his prime), Arnold Zorrilla, and Liam McComb.

On paper, Teofimo Lopez is undoubtedly the biggest test of Barboza’s career.

Against the aggressively pressing Ramirez, Barboza threw more punches than usual.

Against more cautious opponents, he tends to mirror their approach — not taking unnecessary risks, and not pushing the action too much.

In this fight, it’s expected that Lopez will be the one trying to apply pressure, throw more punches, and control the initiative.

In terms of both quantity and quality, the advantage leans toward Barboza.

Lopez fought twice in 2024 — a tough bout against Jamaine Ortiz and another difficult fight against Steve Claggett.

Barboza, on the other hand, fought three times in 2024, including wins over the tricky Liam McComb and the experienced Jose Carlos Ramirez.

He also fought once in 2025, outboxing Jack Catterall.

Undeniable advantage for Lopez.

When Teofimo has room to work and feels comfortable, he’s capable of knocking out almost anyone.

Barboza doesn’t possess the same kind of one-punch power and generally builds his fights around technique — stoppages for him usually come as a result of cumulative work rather than single shots.

Neither fighter has shown major issues with durability.

At the same time, neither has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to absorb punishment either.

A knockout is possible — but given the expected styles, it’s unlikely to be the primary scenario.

Teofimo is the only fighter on the main card who is a native of New York.

For the Brooklyn-born fighter, this is essentially a hometown bout, and he will have the majority of fan support.

This will also be Lopez’s 12th fight in New York.

Teofimo has been receiving a lot of criticism — for his choice of opponents and for the performances he’s delivered lately.

He definitely has something to prove, especially considering that Barboza is seen as a stylistically tricky opponent for him.

For Arnold Barboza, this is the title shot he’s waited for a long time.

At 33, there may not be another chance, so he needs to leave everything in the ring.

In his previous fight, Barboza proved that he can turn a fight around even when things start going badly early on.

Now it’s time to deliver a complete performance — with a world title on the line.