Mikey Williams\/Top Rank<\/small><\/p>\n
Arnold Barboza Jr took a key step to a world title shot with a win in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
Arnold Barboza took a solid decision win in a war of attrition style fight tonight against Alex Saucedo, staying unbeaten and further working his way up the 140-pound ranks in the Loma-Lopez co-feature from Las Vegas.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Barboza (25-0, 10 KO) won on scores of 96-93, 97-92, and 97-92. Bad Left Hook had the fight 95-94 and 96-93 on separate cards, both in Barboza\u2019s favor.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old Barboza came out toying with a southpaw stance early in the fight, which left him open for some good shots from Saucedo (30-2, 19 KO), but once he abandoned that, he was able to find a tempo he liked for the most part, out-boxing the 26-year-old Saucedo enough.<\/p>\n
But this was a really good fight, with Saucedo showing the aggressive side that has made him a fan favorite, and mostly fighting quite well. He scored a knockdown of Barboza in the seventh round, which was originally and wrongly ruled a slip, over-turned after the round via instant replay.<\/p>\n
Barboza, however, rallied nicely from there, staying composed and closing out the final three rounds in good fashion. By the end of the bout, it was clear that both guys were feeling the hot pace of the earlier rounds, but they were still throwing what they had.<\/p>\n
\nKnockdown or slip? Whatcha think?<\/p>\n
Here’s the replays … #LomaLopez<\/a> | LIVE NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com\/NVORzds2Nh<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 18, 2020<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nEight rounds down, two to go.<\/p>\n
Saucedo & Barboza are still throwing INSANE leather. #LomaLopez<\/a> | LIVE NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com\/MjcmEIbh5w<\/a><\/p>\n