Arnold Barboza (26-0) is on the brink of a title shot in the super lightweight division. 

The 29-year-old Southern California native is ranked in the top 15 by three of the major sanctioning bodies. The WBO has him ranked #2 while the WBC has him at #5 and the IBF has positioned him at #15. 

His only fight this year took place in August when he won a wide unanimous decision over Antonio Moran in Oklahoma. 

Part of the reason for his inactivity is due to the uncertainty at the top of the division. Josh Taylor became the undisputed champion in May when he defeated Jose Ramírez in a unification showdown. 

Taylor was set to defend his WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF titles against Jack Catterall on December 18th but the fight was rescheduled for the month of February when Taylor suffered an injury in his training camp. 

Barboza said that the plan is to return to the ring soon and then hopefully fight for a world title. 

“I am just waiting. We have to see what happens with these other fights that are coming up.  I have been staying busy in the gym. Hopefully we fight in January,” Barboza told BoxingScene.com. 

“Everything is kind of on pause. Taylor and Ramirez did their thing and now Taylor basically controls the division.  So hopefully he either moves up or fights me.  Either way, I think I deserve a title shot and there are a few other people who deserve a title shot and it’s not just me. I am just waiting for a chance.”

Barboza, who is promoted by Top Rank, has also been campaigning for a fight against lightweight kingpin Teofimo over the past several months. Whether he gets Teofimo next or not, he expects to land a meaningful fight.  

“Stay tuned.  The next fight will be a big one. If it isn’t with Teofimo it will be with another top fighter.  I will put on a show like I always do,” said Barboza. 

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