Teofimo Lopez and Arnold Barboza Jr. have circled each other for a few years now and finally get the opportunity to settle their mutual animosity inside the ring Friday.

Lopez, who holds The Ring/ WBO junior welterweight titles, and Barboza will meet at Times Square as part of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves on DAZN at 6 p.m. ET and midnight in the UK.

Lopez represented Honduras at the 2016 Olympics. He turned professional and went about his business in devastating fashion, scoring highlight-reel knockouts against Mason Menard (KO 1), Diego Magdaleno (KO 7) and Edis Tatli (KO 5). Lopez demolished IBF titleholder Richard Commey (TKO 2).

The 27-year-old became undisputed lightweight king when he edged Vasiliy Lomachenko (UD 12). An often-postponed bout and outside-the-ring drama meant Lopez didn’t face IBF mandatory George Kambosos for 13 months and, when he did, shockingly dropped a 12-round split decision.

Lopez promptly moved up to 140 pounds and looked less than stellar in winning two fights before returning to his best by impressively outboxing Josh Taylor (UD 12) to become Ring and WBO titlist. He appeared to go through the motions against Jamaine Ortiz (UD 12) and Steve Claggett (UD 12) in subsequent title defenses.

Barboza, rated at No. 3 by The Ring at junior welterweight, played American football in his teens, bulking up to 210 pounds, before dropping a huge amount of weight and returning to boxing. Barboza edged fellow prospect Mike Reed (UD 10) in 2018. He won the NABF title against Manuel Lopez (UD 10) and made two defenses, stopping former world titleholder Mike Alvarado (KO 3) and William Silva (KO 5).

The 33-year-old - a more steady than spectacular performer - beat former world title challenger Alex Saucedo (UD 10), ended an unbeaten record for Danielito Zorrilla (UD 10) and beat former two-division titleholder Jose Pedraza (UD 10). He struggled against Sean McComb (SD 10) but returned to form with wins over former unified titlist Jose Ramirez (UD 10) and, most recently, headed to England where he edged Jack Catterall (SD 12).

Lopez (21-1, 13 knockouts) appears to be struggling to make 140 and isn't far from moving up to 147. Is this a step too far for his body? Barboza (32-0, 11 KOs) and Lopez have a long-standing beef. Can Barboza continue to get into Lopez's head, perhaps similar to how George Kambosos Jr. did when he inflicted Lopez first and only defeat to this point? Lopez is a very up and down character, who when pushed comes out fighting. If he doesn't feel threatened, he can go through the motions. This should bring out the best in him, but you never know. The jab figures to be a pivotal weapon for both men. Who will win that particular battle?

Online gambling group William Hill lists Lopez as an 2/5 (-250) favorite, while Barboza is priced at 19/10 (+190); the draw is 16/1 (+1600).

Here's how the experts see it:

TOM GRAY: BARBOZA SD

"Recent history shows that Lopez doesn't like chasing down boxer-movers (Sandor Martin and Jamaine Ortiz). I believe Barboza is better than both of those guys. He was patient and effective enough to outfox Jack Catterall on enemy territory and has proven to be an excellent technician. I think Barboza's cerebral style presents a problem for the defending champ. Arnold Barboza SD 12 Teofimo Lopez."

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: LOPEZ UD

"Teofimo is a fighter that fights best when he feels challenged. That was evident against Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor and in the opposite way against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett. He's had a long-standing discord with Barboza, which I think will bring out the best in him. Barboza is a solid technician, who likes to counterpunch and will make it difficult at times for Teofimo but, I feel the more dynamic fighter will win. I'll take Teofimo by 12-round unanimous decision."

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): LOPEZ PTS

"I like this fight for different reasons, firstly Barboza gets a chance to show the world he belongs on the world stage. A solid, if not brilliant, fighter goes up against the former undisputed lightweight champion of the world in Lopez, who is a smart switch-hitting box-fighter. Barboza could possibly spring the upset, unfortunately his work rate isn't great but what he does he does well, jabs well, crosses well, with an occasional hook to the body. If he's to win, a change of tactic is required, he needs to up his game. I see Lopez winning via a unanimous points decision."

JOLENE MIZZONE (MANAGER): BARBOZA SD

"This one in my opinion is a hard one to pick. I edge Barboza a little since he went to someone’s backyard and won, that says a lot about a boxer, not all can do that. He is also a natural 140-pounder, which gives him an edge with being the bigger guy. Lopez seems to find a way to win when he's physically and mentally good. The question though is he both physically and mentally good? I am going to go with Barboza by 12-round split decision."

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): LOPEZ SD

"Barboza is on a solid streak and has shown a lot of discipline in sticking to the game plan. Lopez will be the aggressor and will have the speed and power but Barboza will look to frustrate and slow the pace. In the end, I see an unpopular decision in favor of Lopez, 12-round split decision."

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): LOPEZ PTS

"Picking the winner of this purely on current form would point to Barbosa who is enjoying a fine surge late in his career. The Catterall performance was no fluke, Barbosa served notice of it previously against Ramirez but he was better still last time with the right blend of patience, timing and counter punching poise. I've enjoyed watching this improvement. But while solid, rather than special in most departments, Barbosa may have to improve again if Lopez is back to his Josh Taylor beating best. That Lopez wins this with style but if he turns in his last two, underwhelming nights then Lopez will get turned over. I generally have to back the fighter with the stuff and if near his best sizzle then Lopez should be too good. But he'll need to be on it. Lopez by decision."

MARK RAMSAY (TRAINER): LOPEZ MD

"A fight that could be complicated for Lopez. Barboza Jr. may not be the hardest hitter but he throws a lot of punches (4-inch difference) and he uses his long range very well. Lopez is a very talented and explosive boxer but he has accustomed us to uneven performances. I still see him winning this dual but it should be a complicated evening. Lopez 12-round majority decision."

​WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): LOPEZ PTS

"This fight has the makings of a tense, action-packed chess match. Barboza's got the reach and needs to keep Lopez on the outside with sharp, snapping jabs, banking rounds and keeping it clean. Lopez likes to get close and he'll need to do that against Barboza, using his speed to jab his way inside and unleash those brutal left hooks to the head and body. If Lopez breaks through often enough, he could wear Barboza down and maybe even score a late stoppage. But with Barboza's toughness, I’m calling it: Lopez takes it on points after a high-paced, high-skill battle."

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER/ EYE OF THE TIGER): LOPEZ TKO 10

"Although Barbosa's intensity could test Teofimo's stamina, I think Lopez has too much of everything in speed, power and ability. Barbosa's toughness and resiliency gives him a chance, but I think Teofimo stops him in 10."

BOB SANTOS (MANAGER/ TRAINER): LOPEZ

"I have Teofimo beating Barbosa. I think Teofimo has the better footwork more athletic and therefore, I think his feet are gonna be the key to victory in this fight."

JOHN BENINATI (MATCHMAKER): LOPEZ UD

"I like Arnold Barboza's dad, great family. My heart is rooting for them big time. But the truth is Lopez a lil too much for Arnold skill-wise. He's a better boxer, just a lil better skill level. Lopez 12-round unanimous decision."

RICH MAROTTA (COMMENTATOR): LOPEZ PTS

"I've wrestled with trying to figure out the Teofimo Lopez-Arnold Barboza Jr. fight. It's intriguing to be sure, because Lopez has the higher ceiling of the two, but Barboza is the steadier. We never know for sure which Lopez is going to show, but I'm guessing it will be the really terrific Teo. He's had great, great moments against top-notch fighters, and that is the Teofimo I expect to emerge. Barboza is really smart, really good, but not at the most elite level. It is going to be a long fight, strategically battled, but I believe Teofimo will rely on both aggression and his counter-punching abilities to prevail by decision."

​JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): LOPEZ UD

"I think Teofimo will be the winner, but he will have some tough moments along the way for sure, on his way to winning by unanimous decision."

ARTHUR BIYARSLANOV (JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER): LOPEZ PTS

"I think it's going to be a good, close fight, but I'm leaning towards Lopez to win it via split or majority decision."

STEVE KIM (THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE): LOPEZ PTS

"Teofimo is certainly the more talented and accomplished of the two, but he hasn't shown dominant form recently -- and he's coming off a relatively long layoff. Barboza is a tough, hard-nosed competitor who has some boxing skills. With that said, Teofimo has superior power. But I don't see him scoring a stoppage, but a decision victory."

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): LOPEZ UD

"Teofimo will be on for this fight. He wants the bigger fights. He has the experience. Barboza has been busy in the ring. He can be tricky and will have his moments. But Teofimo will figure out the puzzle and win a tough unanimous decision."

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): LOPEZ UD

"To a certain point this is a difficult fight to pick. Both are talented, personalities hmmm. I think that they both have skills but the power, I'd favor Lopez. In a tactical fight, I'm leaning toward Lopez by decision. I hope the fight is as good as their mouths speak."

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER/ MAIN EVENTS): LOPEZ PTS

"Big fan of both of these fighters, Barboza is coming off of big wins over Jack Catterall and Jose Carlos Ramirez. Teofimo is one of those guys who elevates his game depending on his opposition, his performance against Vasily Lomachenko and also Josh Taylor were incredible to watch. I think he is super motivated coming into this fight, Barboza is a top guy at 140-pounds, and this is one of the more unique events filled with top talent. I am picking Teofimo to take advantage of being on such a massive card, and winning what I think will be decision win."

Final Tally: Lopez 16-2