Arnold Barboza Jr. vs Jose Ramirez Showdown Possible in 2024
Junior welterweight Arnold Barboza Jr. and one-time unified champion Jose Ramirez (28-1, 18KO) might be on a collision course for a WBO title eliminator.
During the intermission of Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s return to the ring against Fredrick Lawson, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya welcomed Ramirez as the newest member of the stable.
Barboza (29-0, 110KO) showcased an impressive stoppage over Xolisani Ndongeni on the same card and took the opportunity to call out Ryan Garcia, WBO champion Teofimo Lopez, and Ramirez. Ironically, he and Ramirez both jumped ship from Top Rank to Golden Boy.
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THE BEST POSSIBLE OPTION
Analyzing the possibilities, only one fight seems more likely to happen first. Given the separation from Top Rank, Barboza is unlikely to secure a fight with Lopez in the near future. Regarding a fight with Ryan Garcia, the likelihood of that fight happening is even lower, considering the recent shift towards WBA champion Rolando Romero. It is clear he wants to fight for a title in a big fight.
Barboza’s most viable option appears to be his fellow Golden Boy stablemate, Ramirez. Barboza introduced the idea of fighting Ramirez when Lopez was supposedly retired.
In his recent outing, Ramirez delivered a sensational knockout in a WBC eliminator against former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey. With Barboza holding the #1 ranking and Ramirez at #2, according to the WBO, the organization could potentially order a title eliminator.
De La Hoya is ready to have a remarkable year as the junior welterweight division could become the division to watch in 2024.
