Oscar Duarte Challenges Arnold Barboza Jr Following Knockout Win
Oscar Duarte made a strong statement at the Honda Center with a seventh-round stoppage of Miguel Madueno, who had never been knocked out before. Following his victory, Duarte wasted no time in calling out his next desired opponent.
“Congratulations to Arnold Barboza on winning his title in Manchester. I’m ready and waiting for you, Barboza,” declared the 29-year-old fighter from Chihuahua, Mexico.
Duarte’s original opponent, former champion Regis Prograis, withdrew due to injury, leading to Madueno stepping in as a late replacement. However, this change did not faze Duarte, who adapted seamlessly to his new opponent.
“I appreciate Miguel Madueno for accepting this fight on short notice. He’s a tough competitor, but tonight was our night,” Duarte commented. “I’m always prepared for any challenger, regardless of who they put in front of me.”
The fight began with Madueno surprisingly taking the initiative, but he soon reverted to a more conventional style, engaging Duarte in close combat. Duarte sensed his opponent’s vulnerability early on.
“By the second round, I could tell my punches were affecting him. In the fourth round, it became clear that he was really feeling the impact, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he went down,” Duarte explained.
With this victory behind him, Duarte set his sights on the top contenders in the 140-pound division. He expressed his readiness to face any champion, putting other fights, including a potential bout with Kenneth Sims, on the back burner for now.
“I’m ready for a world title shot against any champion. Let’s make it happen,” Duarte declared confidently.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya praised Duarte’s performance, highlighting the significance of stopping an opponent that other top fighters couldn’t finish. “This victory puts Duarte in contention with the best in the division – Barboza, Sims, Davis, and all the world champions at 140 pounds. Oscar is primed for a world title opportunity,” De La Hoya stated.
