Barboza loved 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.”

 

Barboza 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, Barboza 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. Barboza was signed by Top Rank.

 

You never know when an opportunity can occur, so Barboza 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. Barboza 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 Barboza 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!”