Arnold Barboza vs. Kenneth Sims - Weigh In!
(March 13th) Arnold Barboza Jr., Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. and the full undercard hits the scales ahead of tomorrow’s Golden Boy Promotions show live on DAZN from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Official Weights
Welterweights – 12 rounds
Arnold Barboza Jnr (146.2lbs) vs Kenneth Sims Jnr (146.6lbs)
Strawweights – 12 rounds
Oscar Collazo (104.8lbs) vs Jesus Haro (103.4lbs)
Women’s Flyweights – 10 rounds
Gabriela Fundora (110.8lbs) vs Viviana Ruiz (111.8lbs)
Welterweights – 10 rounds
Alexis Rocha (147.4lbs) vs Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (146.7lbs)
Welterweights – eight rounds
Joel Iriarte (146.4lbs) vs Rock Dodler Myrthill (146.2lbs)
Junior middleweight (+2lbs) – eight rounds
Grant Flores (155lbs) vs Rashid Stevens (156lbs)
Junior Middleweight – six rounds
Cayden Griffiths (150.6lbs) vs Omar Gutierrez (151.8lbs)
Middleweights – eight rounds
Fabian Guzman (159.4lbs) vs Julian Delgado (159.4lbs)
Lightweights (+2lbs) – eight rounds
Daniel Garcia (136.2lbs) vs Blas Caro (136.8lbs)
Junior Lightweight (+2lbs) – six rounds
Leo Sanchez (130.8lbs) vs Cesar Juarez (132lbs)
Tickets for Barboza Jr. vs. Sims Jr. are on sale now and are priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience packages will also be available, featuring exclusive merchandise and premium fight-night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com.
Golden Boy has assembled a stacked undercard featuring many of its top rising stars for its March 14 event, headlined by former interim champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1, 11 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif., as he takes on Chicago’s Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight showdown, streaming live worldwide exclusively on DAZN. The main event takes place Saturday, March 14, at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Southern California pride meets Chicago grit as two elite contenders step into a new division and straight into danger when former interim champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1, 11 KOs) of South El Monte faces Chicago’s Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight clash exclusively live worldwide on DAZN. With redemption at stake and 147 pounds wide open, both fighters aim to make an immediate impact and announce themselves as new threats in the division. The main event takes place Saturday, March 14, from the Honda Center in Anaheim and is presented in association with Cancun Boxing.
Arnold Barboza Jr. is back! After more than nine months away from the ring, the South El Monte native returns on March 14 at the Honda Center, where he faces Chicago’s Kenneth Sims Jr. in his highly anticipated welterweight debut. Stepping up to 147 pounds against a proven contender, Barboza Jr. begins a new chapter with the same focus and intensity that has defined his career. His last outing came on May 2 in New York City, when he met former WBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight Champion Teofimo Lopez in a long-awaited showdown under the bright lights of Times Square. In a high-stakes battle years in the making, Barboza Jr. showcased his composure, grit and elite skillset that night. Although he experienced the first loss of his professional career, he reaffirmed his place among boxing’s top contenders and strengthened his resolve to return better than ever. Before that, Barboza Jr. captured the WBO Interim Super Lightweight World Title with a hard-fought split decision victory over Jack Catterall in Manchester, proving he could travel into hostile territory, beat the odds and emerge victorious against world-class opposition. Since turning professional in 2013, Barboza Jr. has compiled an impressive resume, including notable wins over Alex Saucedo, Mike Alvarado, Jose Pedraza and Jose Ramirez. Known for his technical approach, sharp ring IQ and versatile style, he has established himself as one of the sport’s most disciplined and consistent competitors — and now looks to make his mark in the welterweight division.
Kenneth Sims Jr. returns to Southern California for a highly anticipated showdown against Arnold Barboza Jr., as the two square off at the Honda Center in a California vs. Chicago clash on March 14. Sims Jr. enters the bout fresh off the biggest moment of his career, headlining a WBA title eliminator against Mexico’s Oscar Duarte at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Fighting in front of a passionate hometown crowd, “Bossman” displayed his slick, technical style against Duarte’s relentless pressure in a compelling 12-round battle. Though the contest ended in a majority decision loss, Sims Jr. left with his stock elevated — showcasing composure and championship potential on a major stage. The performance was the latest chapter in his steady rise through the professional ranks. Since turning pro in 2014, Sims Jr. has built an impressive resume, highlighted by a breakout upset victory over previously undefeated Elvis Rodriguez in 2021. He followed that statement win with six consecutive victories, earning top 15 rankings with the IBF, WBA and WBC. Before his professional success, Sims Jr. was a decorated amateur — a nine-time national champion and proud member of Team USA. He competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials, narrowly falling to future world champion Jose Ramirez, and later represented the United States at the 2013 World Championships. Now a world-ranked contender, Sims Jr. remains focused on proving he belongs among the elite in the sport.
In the 12-round co-main event, co-promoted with Miguel
Cotto Promotions, Puerto Rico’s WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine
minimumweight world champion Oscar “El Pupilo”
Collazo (13-0, 10 KOs) will defend his titles against
Mexico’s Jesus “Chiquito”
Haro (13-3, 2 KOs). Also on the card, Santa
Ana’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha
(25-2-1, 16 KOs) will face former world champion
Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (34-8-1, 15 KOs), representing South El Monte. Diaz Jr. will move up to welterweight to meet Rocha
in a 10-round showdown.
In a title bout co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs) will defend her throne against WBA Interim World
Champion Viviana Ruiz
Corredor (10-2, 5 KOs), the Australia-based Colombian
challenger determined to dethrone boxing’s reigning queen in a 10-round clash. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Bakersfield’s rising knockout artist Joel Iriarte (9-0, 8 KOs) will square off against Los Angeles’ Rock Myrthil (17-2-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout.
The preliminary card will stream live on Golden Boy’s YouTube channel and will spotlight some of the company’s top prospects. Representing the Coachella Valley, the
undefeated Grant Flores
(12-0, 9 KOs) will compete in an eight-round super welterweight contest against
LA's Rashid Stevens
(6-1-2, 5 KOs). Fellow Coachella Valley standout
Cayden Griffiths (7-0, 6 KOs) will compete in a six-round welterweight bout against
Guadalajara's Omar Munguia
(8-2-1, 6 KOs).
Also on the preliminary card, Santa Ana’s Fabian
Guzman (9-0, 8 KOs) will compete in an eight-round
middleweight bout against Julian
Delgado (9-1, 4 KOs) of Corpus Christi, Texas. In an
eight-round lightweight matchup, Daniel “Junebug”
Garcia (12-0, 9 KOs) of Denver will
face Blas Caro (12-9, 5 KOs) of Rosario, Argentina. Opening the night, Leonardo “Bazooka” Sanchez (9-0, 7 KOs) will take on Cesar Juarez (31-19, 24 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight bout.
The previously announced Golden Boy professional debut of Dylan “La Amenaza” Capetillo of Las Vegas has been postponed. Under California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) rules, contestants must be at least 18 years old to be licensed as a professional
boxer and compete in a professional bout in the state.
Barboza Jr. vs Sims Jr. Final Presser!
(March 13th) Ahead of the stacked Barboza Jr. vs. Sims Jr. fight
card, Golden Boy
hosted a press conference in Anaheim featuring the promotion's current and future world
champions. The event will be headlined by former interim champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1,
11 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif., who will be challenged by Chicago’s Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight showdown, streaming live worldwide exclusively on DAZN. The event takes place Saturday, March 14, at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Here are some quotes from the DAZN Broadcast
fighters:
ARNOLD BARBOZA JR., WELTERWEIGHT FIGHTER:
"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."
"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."
KENNETH SIMS, JR., WELTERWEIGHT FIGHTER:
"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."
OSCAR "EL PUPILO" COLLAZO, WBA, WBO, AND RING MAGAZINE MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD
CHAMPION:
"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."
JESUS HARO, MINIMUMWEIGHT CONTENDER:
"When they called me and said I had a chance to fight for a world title, I wasn’t
surprised. I knew it was going to happen someday. My hard work couldn’t go unnoticed forever. I’ve had a great training camp — great sparring, great preparation mentally and physically. I know he’s
bringing his best, and I’m bringing mine. The fans better be ready."
ALEXIS "LEX" ROCHA, WELTERWEIGHT FIGHTER:
"First off, I want to thank God for allowing me to be here. I’m really soaking in this
moment — being back in front of the cameras and the spotlight. It’s been a while, but I’m very happy to be fighting JoJo. I respect him a lot. I’ve watched him grow up in this sport and even looked
up to him. I never pictured myself fighting him, but this is business. JoJo always brings it, so this won’t be an easy fight."
JOSEPH "JOJO" DIAZ, JR, WELTERWEIGHT FIGHTER:
"What motivates me right now is my beautiful kids — my daughter, my girlfriend, and my
son. I’ve already accomplished a lot in my boxing career: winning championships and reaching the top rankings. But now it’s deeper for me — it’s more spiritual. I gave my life to God, and He brought
me out of dark places."
"I used to live a crazy lifestyle — the rock star lifestyle that comes with fame and money. But now that I’ve given my life to Christ and left drugs and alcohol behind, I’m doing this for my kids. I
want to show people that no matter how dark life gets, you can still come back if you keep your faith."
"Come Saturday night, I’m ready to showcase that. Alexis Rocha is a tough fighter, but I had a focused camp. This fight is for all the fight fans in Southern California, and it’s going to be
exciting."
GABRIELA "SWEET POISON" FUNDORA, IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, AND RING MAGAZINE FLYWEIGHT WORLD
CHAMPION:
"Boxing is special because it’s not just me in that ring. It’s the hard work my father
put in, my brother too — he’s fighting in two weeks and has been putting in the work as well. It’s a family sport for us. We’ve been doing this since we were little, always supporting each other and
having each other’s backs. Now it’s our time on stage to showcase to the world."
"Those belts represent everything every little kid dreams about. Earlier this week we put out a video not just for little girls, but for every kid watching on Saturday. Your dreams are possible.
Anything is possible in life if you put in the work and stay determined."
VIVIANA RUIZ CORREDOR, WBA INTERIM FLYWEIGHT WORLD
CHAMPION:
"I traveled from the Gold Coast of Australia, and this opportunity means everything to
me. Women’s boxing has grown so much recently, and being able to showcase all the hard work I’ve put in on this platform means the world to me. I started boxing later in life — I’m actually a
telecommunications engineer. I left everything behind, moved to Australia, and started boxing there. Now I’m here fighting for a world title."
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
"Both fighters are coming off tough fights, but they fought great opponents. The fact
that they’re coming back to fight another great opponent shows who they are as fighters. Kenneth Sims is a warrior who believes in his skills and his hard work. Arnold Barboza is the same way. This
is a crossroads fight — a very important fight — and you’re going to see that on Saturday night."
Camp House: Barboza Jr. vs. Sims Jr.
Two Elite Contenders, One Statement To Make!
(March 11th) The grind doesn’t stop when the cameras turn off. In this episode of Camp House, go inside the fight camps of Arnold Barboza Jr. and Kenneth Sims Jr. — two elite contenders with everything to prove and only one statement to make. Watch the preparation. Feel the pressure. Experience what it takes to climb to the top.
Southern California pride meets Chicago grit as two elite contenders’ step into a new division and straight into danger when former interim champion Barboza Jr., 32-1, 11Ko’s of South El Monte faces Chicago’s, “Bossman” Sims Jr.,22-2-1, 8Ko’s in a 12-round welterweight clash exclusively live worldwide on DAZN. With redemption at stake and 147 pounds wide open, both fighters aim to make an immediate impact and announce themselves as new threats in the division. The main event takes place Saturday, March 14, at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
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ABOUT GOLDEN BOY: Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming, holds the exclusive rights to top boxers, and has promoted some of the biggest and highest-grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike.
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