| ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2026) — 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 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 and is presented in association with Cancun Boxing.
Tickets for Barboza Jr. vs. Sims Jr. go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 10:00 a.m. PT 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.
“I’m officially stepping back into the ring after some much needed time off,” said Arnold Barboza Jr. “My first loss didn’t break me, it built me. Built a new team, new gym, new mindset yet still same purpose, same hunger, same goals. I heard the doubters get louder. I saw some opinions change yet nothing about me changed. This is bigger than revenge. This is the Redemption Tour.”
“This is a fight that I’ve been wanting for a long time. Barboza is a good fighter who’s been on the big stage, but I’ve always known that I am a better fighter than him and only wanted the chance to prove it,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I’ve been chasing this opportunity for years now and this is a great time for it to finally happen. This is a do or die fight for both of us, and I can’t wait to get in there and handle business on March 14.”
“I love this fight because neither guy is afraid of the other. Arnold Barboza Jr. and Kenneth Sims Jr. have worked their entire careers to become the best and on March 14 somebody takes a major step toward the top of the division,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “The undercard will be stacked with talent, with the return of Puerto Rican Unified Champ Oscar Collazo and Undisputed Champ Gabriela Fundora both defending their titles. Fans are getting a complete night of high-level Southern California fights!”
In a 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). Collazo most recently delivered a devastating knockout victory over Jayson Vayson in September 2025 and now returns looking to continue his dominant championship run.
“I’m very happy to be returning to the ring this coming March 14th. Unfortunately, we won’t be pursuing a unification bout for reasons beyond my control,” said Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo. “The company presented us with this opportunity with Jesús Haro. I respect him because I know he comes with the desire and hunger to be a champion, but on March 14th, he’ll be facing the best in the division. Without a doubt, Puerto Rico vs. Mexico is a guaranteed war. We’re ready to put on a great fight and secure a solid victory for Puerto Rico.”
“It’s going to be a great fight,” said Jesus Haro. “The Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry has always been present in this sport, and although I was born in the USA and I love this country, Aztec warrior blood runs through my veins, and I’m not going to let my Mexican people down.”
In another stacked title bout in co-promotion with Sampson Boxing, Undisputed Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs) returns to defend her throne against WBA Interim World Champion Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-2, 5 KOs), the Australia-based Venezuelan challenger looking to dethrone boxing’s reigning queen in a 10-round fight.
“There are only two ways of doing something, the right way or the wrong way.” said Gabriela Fundora. “We are preparing to put on a great performance on March 14th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Save the date to watch on DAZN!”
“This opportunity to compete for the undisputed world title is an absolute dream come true for me. It represents everything we work toward from the moment we decide to become professional fighters, and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to perform on the biggest stage,” said Viviana Ruiz. “We’re coming to America to steal the show. I understand the challenge in front of me, I’ve done the work, and I’m ready. I’m excited for March 14th, and I can’t wait to be crowned the new undisputed world champion.”
More information on the undercard will be released soon.
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.
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QUOTES AND PHOTOS
BARBOZA JR. VS. SIMS JR. PRESS CONFERENCE
GOLDEN BOY’S PRESENT CHAMPIONS AND FUTURE STARS COLLIDE ON STACKED UNDERCARD
LIVE FROM HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM — SATURDAY, MARCH 14 | STREAMING WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN
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Mandatory Credit: Golden Boy / Cris Esqueda
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| ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 12, 2026) — 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.
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.
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.
Here are some quotes from the DAZN Broadcast fighters:
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
Barboza vs. Sims Average Betting Odds:
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