Fighter of the Week (1-1/1-7) : Ismael Barroso

Perhaps there is justice in the boxing world. Ismael Barroso was having the night of his life on May 13th, 2023, when referee Tony Weeks, who would become the subject of controversy again later that night, stole the fight from him and possibly a world title when he was in no danger at all. TBarroso, 40, a native of El Tigre, Venezuela, was awarded another big fight on another big card, and he IMMEDIATELY cashed in on it and scored the KO of a lifetime that again puts him back in the world title picture. Barroso finished off British world title contender and massive betting favorite Ohara Davies in just 113 seconds to put himself back into the world title picture, get a high from Rolly Romero, move his record to 25-4-2 (23), pick up the biggest win of his career and captures our Fighter of the Week award.

By the time it takes you to read this week's Fighter of the Week award, Barros would have dismantled Ohara Davies and scored a massive upset. Romero, in the post-fight interview with Jim Gray, immediately following his controversial TKO victory over Barroso, said that he respected the power of the Venezuelan. We knew he had real power. Romero's words plus his elite KO% are indicative of that real power. However, we still may have underrated his one-punch ability. Davies was pummeled by an all-out assault from the Venezuelan. Barroso shocked the Brit with a serious left hand and then floored the Londoner. Davies made it to his feet wand an amped up Barroso again floored Davies, with a follow-up attack that brought in the referee Celestino Ruiz, who stepped in and waved the fight off when Davies regained his feet, despite his protests. “After that first punch, I knew that I had him. I knew that it was a good punch.” Barroso explained following the fight.

Romero seems hyper-focused on messing up the plans for the junior welterweight division. The win Saturday night in Las Vegas all but guarantees him the rematch with current WBA world title holder Rolly Romero. If the first fight looks anything like the original, Romero is in a lot of trouble, and so is his big fight with Ryan Garcia, which would likely come next. If Barroso does capture the belt from Romero it might be best to keep Garcia and his highly questionable chin far away from Barroso and explore another avenue to a world title. However, it is one step at a time, and the boxing world awaits the WBA mandating Romero-Barroso Part II.