Arnold Barboza Jr rebounded from a 2025 setback to convincingly defeat Kenneth Sims Jr. at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday, March 14 atop a Golden Boy Promotions card on DAZN.
The Stakes: A Crossroads Clash in Anaheim
After an incredible 32-fight win streak, Arnold Barboza Jr. (33-1, 11 KOs) finally tasted defeat last May against Teofimo Lopez. Now 34, Barboza moved up to the 147-pound limit to test his durability at welterweight.
On Saturday, he met his stablemate at Oscar de la Hoya’s fight firm, Kenneth Sims Jr. (22-4-1, 8 KOs), a highly-ranked technician coming off a razor-thin majority decision loss to Oscar Duarte in August.
Barboza vs Sims Result: Arnold Wins Via Decision
Barboza delivered a composed, technical performance to defeat Sims by unanimous decision on March 14 in Anaheim, winning 117-111, 118-110, and 120-108. Barboza controlled distance, outboxed Sims over 12 rounds, and claimed the vacant WBO global title in his 147-pound debut.
The win steadies Barboza’s career after last year’s loss to Teofimo Lopez and re-positions him in the welterweight mix.
Barboza vs Sims Highlights
One of Sims’s best shots came in the fourth:
A fire-fight broke out in the seventh:
And the final round had its moments, too:
How to Watch & Global Start Times
The event is being broadcast worldwide exclusively by DAZN.
| Region | Main Card Starts | Main Event Ringwalks (Approx) |
| United States (PT) | 5:00 PM PT | 8:15 PM PT |
| United States (ET) | 8:00 PM ET | 11:15 PM ET |
| UK & Ireland | 12:00 AM GMT (Sun) | 3:15 AM GMT (Sun) |
| Australia (AEDT) | 11:00 AM (Sun) | 2:15 PM (Sun) |
USA Betting Odds: Sims Jr. Enters as the Slight Favourite
Oddsmakers are split on how the move to welterweight will affect Barboza, giving Sims Jr. the slight edge in most markets.
- DraftKings: Sims Jr. (-170) | Barboza Jr. (+135)
- BetMGM: Sims Jr. (-137) | Barboza Jr. (+125)
If I was a betting man, I would be Betting on Barboza Jr.
The USA bookies make Sims Jr. the favourite. But not by much. However I’ve got to say I don’t agree. For me Barboza Jr. is the best bet. His 33% knockout rate against a man with 3 losses to his 1 is being overlooked by the bookies. His only loss is to Teofimo Lopez who is a generational great. In my opinion Barboza Jr. is a great value bet to win in Anaheim.
Championship Double-Header: The Undercard
The main event is supported by two high-stakes world title fights featuring some of the best small-weight fighters on the planet:
- WBA/WBO Strawweight Title: Oscar Collazo (13-0) looks for his seventh successful defense as he faces the gritty Jesus Haro (13-3). Collazo aims to further unify the 105lb division tonight.
- Undisputed Flyweight Title: The towering Gabriela Fundora (17-0), currently #6 on The Ring’s P4P list, defends all four belts against Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-2). Fundora is a massive -3500 betting favorite to retain her undisputed status.
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