It's a compelling fight card in Southern California Saturday night as former interim welterweight champ Arnold Barboza battles fellow contender Kenneth Sims in the main event. The undercard has two world title fights on it, as well.
Coming up Saturday night in Anaheim, CA, Arnold Barboza and Kenneth Sims in a welterweight showdown will headline the Golden Boy Promotions card that includes two world title fights on the undercard. The bouts will be at the Honda Center and streamed worldwide on DAZN.
The main event features former World Boxing Organization interim 147 lb. champion and Californian Barboza, (32-1, 11 KOs), who faces Chicago’s Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs) in a The bout pits two evenly, experienced contenders against each other, with both fighters eager to prove they still belong among title contenders in the welterweight division.
During the Thursday final press conference. Barboza expressed gratitude for the opportunity to headline in his home region of Southern California,
"First off, I want to thank God for this opportunity. Without Him I wouldn’t be here. I also want to thank Golden Boy for putting together an amazing card. This event is stacked from top to bottom."
"I’m honored to be fighting on the same card as fighters like Oscar Collazo and Gabriela Fundora. And I also want to give a shout-out to my hometown guy JoJo Diaz. We grew up in the same boxing gyms in South El Monte as kids — running around and dreaming about moments like this. Now we’re on the same card together. It’s an honor."
On the matchup,
"As for Kenneth Sims — he’s a great fighter. I’m excited for this fight and can’t wait for Saturday. Kenneth is a good dude and his team is great. What really warmed my heart was seeing a video of him with his son on his shoulders. That’s what we do this for — our kids and our families."
For his part, the veteran Sims is tough and knows he's the enemy coming into Barboza's territory and said Thursday,
"I’ve always respected Arnold. We’ve talked before and I think he’s a good person. But I’m competitive. I want to fight the best fighters. Arnold has been ranked in the top ten for years, and that’s the spot I want. I’ve been chasing this fight for a long time. It didn’t happen before, but it’s happening now. Beating him in dominant fashion will show what I already know — and what a lot of people know — that I belong at the top."
In the 12-round co-main event, Puerto Rico’s unified WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo (13-0, 10 KOs) of Puerto Rico will defend his titles against Mexico’s Jesus Haro (13-3, 2 KOs). The championship fight is co-promoted with Miguel Cotto Promotions and adds another high-stakes matchup to an already talent-packed lineup.
Collazo is one of the hardest hitters in recent memory in boxing's smallest weight class and is appreciative of the recognition he's been getting after his title defenses,
"When I go back to Puerto Rico, it’s very special because I came from humble beginnings. A lot of people look up to me now. When people talk about the minimumweight division, they don’t always expect exciting fights — but we prove them wrong. Being able to inspire other fighters, especially those in the lower weight classes, means a lot. I want them to believe in themselves and understand that if you work hard, you can achieve anything."
Also scheduled for the card is a compelling welterweight clash between Santa Ana, CA native Alexis Rocha (25-2-1, 16 KOs) and former world champion Joseph "Jo Jo" Diaz (34-8-1, 15 KOs). Diaz will move up to the welterweight division for the 10-round contest against the former title contender Rocha .
Also, exciting, undisputed flyweight women's world champion Gabriela Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs). Fundora, known as “Sweet Poison,” will defend her titles against Australia-based Colombian challenger Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-2, 5 KOs).
With multiple champions, rising contenders, and competitive matchups throughout the lineup, Saturday night’s event promises to deliver an action-packed evening of boxing for fans watching around the world.