Rounding out the May 2 ‘Fatal Fury’ card in New York will be Teofimo Lopez taking on Arnold Barboza, and the hostility between these two have been quickly heating up in the pre-fight promotional activities. During yesterdays official press event both fighters fielded some questions to the public as they prepare to battle.
Melina Pizano
Lopez on Barboza’s confidence that he’ll be able to beat him
“To be honest, I’m focused on myself. That’s all it is. My biggest competition is myself. I could care less what Arnold has to say on that side. We’re here to take over.”
On who the best fighter on the Fatal Fury card is beside himself
“Most respectfully, my son, Teofimo Liam Lopez. All of you suck, man.”
On stealing the show on fight night
“The fans are going to steal the show that night. That’s what it’s all about. We want everybody to tune in, pull up—it’s open to the public, right? All of you guys are going to win that night. You get three of the hottest commodities in the sport of boxing. But there’s six of us, really. I think that’s what’s really going to matter to everyone. We’re the face of the next generation of boxing that’s coming in. That’s the most important part. I want everybody to win, outside of Arnold Barboza, that’s about it.”
On what we can expect to see from him on May 2
“Listen, guys, I’m 27. I haven’t even hit my prime. You guys have seen a version of me, and I did everything so quick. So tune in May 2.”
Michael Owens
Barboza on what he needs to do in order to beat Lopez
“This is going to be my easiest fight in my last four fights. Slap that clown around is what I’m going to do. He thinks he’s something special, but he’s been taken care of by Top Rank. But now Top Rank has pulled that cord, and they’re letting him play.”
On his prediction for the fight
“May 2, I’m coming out victorious. Doesn’t matter how it happens, it happens. Teo sucks, and I’m going to beat him up, that’s it. He is not going to be the same after this, trust me.”