After moving to welterweight in March, Barboza defeated Kenneth Sims Jr. by a wide 12-round unanimous decision. The judges scored it 117-111, 118-110 and 120-108, giving Barboza a successful start in the division after Teofimo Lopez handed him his first professional loss.

Teofimo used quick in-and-out attacks to beat Barboza by unanimous decision on May 2, 2025, at Times Square in New York. It was not an entertaining style, but it proved effective. Barboza had trouble when Lopez stepped forward and attacked. Duarte is likely to press him far more often.

His split-decision win over Jack Catterall also showed how difficult Barboza is to reach. Much of the fight took place at long range, with Barboza providing more activity while Catterall remained on the back foot and waited for single counters.

Duarte must prevent this bout from following the same pattern. He will need to walk through punches, cut off the ring and increase his volume once he gets inside. Working through clinches will also be important because Barboza often ties up opponents after they breach his preferred distance.

Although Duarte has spent his career below welterweight, his last fight offered some preparation for the move. Angel Fierro came in at 143.4 pounds for their May 2 bout, while Duarte was 139.8. Duarte won a grueling 12-round split decision, showing that he can handle an opponent carrying weight above the light welterweight limit.

Ideally, Barboza would face an established welterweight if he intends to campaign at 147 pounds. Golden Boy is instead bringing Duarte up for a DAZN headliner between two of its own fighters.

The cleaner technique belongs to Barboza, who should control the early rounds from the outside. What’s unclear is how he will respond if Duarte keeps advancing, works through the clinches and turns the bout into a physical contest at close quarters.