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Arnold Barboza Jr is itching to fight WBC super-lightweight champion Regis Prograis and he`s asking for a chance to prove that he`s up to scratch.
Arnold aged thirty one who`s built an undefeated 27-0, 10 KO`s record, is from Long Beach California. So he showed a lot of sand by popping by the WBC LA Office to do an interview with Pepe Sulaiman and Nancy Rodriguez, as part of: “The Interview I Never Had Series.”
Arnold respects Regis (29-1, 24 KO`s, age thirty four) who`s in his second reign as world Super-Lightweight champion. He mused: “I know Regis isn`t avoiding me. I have all the respect in the world for him and I know there`s the dog in him. Hopefully we can make it happen. It`s something I`m going to try and get done.”
Arnold started in the fight business at the ripe old age of five and a half. His dad was a kick boxer, his sister was about to go to the gym, but Arnold was too young to box. So he engaged in some “Smokers” often fighting on the same Bill as dad, and he amassed twenty fights, before he even started in amateur boxing…aged eight!
Arnold loved American Football, but then gravitated towards boxing explaining: “Boxing is the perfect sport. You can be small or tall. A different shape and size and still accomplish your goal. You also need heart, will and determination.”
Arnold had a well paid job as a union official, but he made the decision to commit everything to boxing. Not easy because he has two sons and two daughters to consider and provide for. He was working, then training, running, only sleeping three hours and then back to work! Fortune favors the brave…and the talented. He decided to leave behind nine to five security and take the risk of rolling the dice of life with an all or nothing decision. Initially his aim was to buy his kids a house. But his as he kept winning, his ambition grew exponentially.
Then, Arnold caught a break. He sparred Mike Alvarado who was preparing to fight Juan Manuel Marquez. Mike was impressed with his talent and put in a good word for him. Arnold was signed by Top Rank.
You never know when an opportunity can occur, so Arnold is always in good shape to avoid having to start from zero, part of which would be shedding weight. Slim fit for fight! Part of this involves being mentally strong. Also, having a constant, established and loyal team. Arnold has had the same fellows and colleagues around him, with him and backing him, watching his back, since fight one as a professional. No YES Men. They tell it to him as it is! A key part of the enabling, functioning fulcrum is his dad, who Arnold describes as coach, mentor and smart business wise, helping him to make the astute decisions, because: “It could be easy to get a taste of something and go crazy!”
Another key balancing pendulum and sure fire inspiration, are Arnold`s children. He has to be away from them during training camps, but then tries his utmost to spend quality time with them when the fights have passed. So important because as he realizes: “They grow up so quick!”
Ever since he can remember, it´s been Arnold`s dream, ambition and goal to win the coveted Green and Gold Belt. He longs for it, as the largest and the most important belt of them all.
“I`m going to do everything in my power to get the Title Fight. It will be a great fight, and I will be more than ready.”
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