SEAN McCOMB will get the chance to take his career to a whole new level on May 20.
Boxing News understands the 31-year-old will take on Arnold Barboza as part of the Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia undercard at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn.
McComb, 18-1 (5 KOs), has bounced back with seven wins since his surprise stoppage defeat to Gavin Gwynne during their Commonwealth lightweight title fight in 2021.
Now at super-lightweight McComb maintained his good run of form in his last fight against Sam Maxwell at home in Belfast. The former British 140lbs champion was no match for “The Public Nuisance” and found himself on the canvas three times. However, the veteran was approaching the final stages of his own career and has since retired from the sport.
Stepping up to the plate and taking on Arnold Barboza is a huge leap in levels for McComb, but it will not be his first dance in America. Back in October 2018 McComb fought for the fourth time in the pro ranks stopping Carlos Galindo on a Matchroom show in Boston headlined by Tevin Farmer and James Tennyson.
Barboza will be an overwhelming favourite to win but is risking his mandatory position with the WBO. McComb currently sits seven places below the 32-year-old Californian who is unbeaten in 29 starts. Earlier last month Barboza revealed he was on standby to replace Ryan Garcia in the April 20 main event should he withdraw. Garcia’s recent behaviour in videos and on social media has led to growing concern about the 25-year-old’s wellbeing and whether or not he will be ready to face WBC champion Haney.
Last November Barboza joined the roster at Golden Boy Promotions having parted ways with Top Rank. And on January 6 he made his debut for Oscar De La Hoya outclassing Xolisani Ndongeni who was pulled from the fight after eight rounds. The South African was in action last weekend time taking lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla the 10-round distance.
