Teofimo Lopez produces clinic against Arnold Barboza Jr to retain world title

The American outpointed his compatriot at a unique event in Times Square, New York City

Teofimo Lopez was a clear winner over Arnold Barboza Jr on Friday, outpointing his fellow American to retain the WBO super-lightweight title.

The pair clashed on a stacked, unique card in Times Square, with Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney also in action in New York City.

• Follow Garcia vs Romero and Haney vs Ramirez LIVE after Lopez beats Barboza Jr

Before Garcia and Haney took to the ring, Lopez put his world title on the line against Barboza Jr, who tasted defeat for the first time as a professional after hearing scorecards of 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110.

Lopez, 27, has not always produced the in-ring performances to match his brash trash talk, but he was close to his best on Friday (2 May), with the first two scorecards arguably flattering Barboza Jr, 33.

Lopez’s footwork and head movement were impressive throughout, as were his counter punches, many of which he celebrated with dancing that will have frustrated Barboza Jr.

Teofimo Lopez (left) was a clear winner over Arnold Barboza Jr (AP)

Lopez, with his hands low for the most part, was unfazed by Barboza Jr’s southpaw start to the fight, and he dealt well with his sole moment of significant adversity; in round six, Barboza Jr buckled Lopez’s legs with a counter cross, but failed to capitalise.

After the bout, Lopez teased a move up to welterweight and a clash with Jaron “Boots” Ennis, saying: “You know me, guys, I go after the tough challenges. And yeah definitely [...] I want to see Boots. I’m Dora The Explorer, and I’m looking for Boots.”