Angel Barrientes Pitches 80-72 Shutout on DAZN, Sends Message to Super Bantamweight Division
LAS VEGAS, NV (April 28, 2026) — WBA #9-ranked super bantamweight contender Angel “AK-47” Barrientes (15-1, 9 KOs) delivered a breakout performance on April 25, scoring a dominant unanimous decision shutout over Luis Espinoza (10-2, 4 KOs) at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Fighting live on DAZN in a co-promotion between Matchroom Boxing and Boxlab Promotions, the 23-year-old Las Vegas native controlled every round with precision, pressure, and elite footwork, earning identical 80-72 scorecards and solidifying his position as one of the division’s fastest-rising contenders.
From the opening bell, Barrientes showcased sharp timing, superior footwork, and consistent pressure, controlling every aspect of the fight en route to a clean sweep on all three judges’ scorecards, each reading 80-72.
Following his dominant showing on DAZN, Barrientes expressed confidence in both his performance and his growing presence in the sport. “I knew this was a big opportunity for me, fighting live on DAZN, and I wanted to make the most of it,” Barrientes said. “I stayed disciplined, stuck to the game plan, and showed that I can control a fight from start to finish. I’m ready for bigger stages and bigger challenges, I’m ready for anyone in the division.”
With momentum building, the 23-year-old Las Vegas native made it clear that his ambitions extend far beyond a single victory. “I’m here to take over the division,” Barrientes said. “There’s a lot of talent at super bantamweight, but I believe in my skills, my work ethic, and my mindset, is what separates me. I’m building toward something bigger, and every fight is a step closer to becoming one of the best in the world.”
Barrientes views this victory as a pivotal moment that further establishes his credibility as a rising contender. “This win means a lot for my career,” Barrientes continued. “I wanted to go out there and dominate every round. I’m improving, I’m learning, and I’m ready to step up. I want tougher opponents, I want the very best, because that’s how I’ll earn my title shot, I’m close.”
With confidence high following his performance, Barrientes is already looking ahead to his next appearance. “I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible,” Barrientes concluded. “I’m staying ready, staying sharp, and I want to keep building momentum. The more I fight, the better I get, and I’m hungry to keep marching toward a world title.”
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, believes Barrientes has the tools to become a major force in the division. “Angel Barrientes showed why he is one of the most promising young fighters in the division,” Piedra said. “What stands out is not just his talent, but his composure, his discipline, and his ability to execute a game plan at a high level. Performances like this demonstrate that he has the skill set to compete with, and beat, anyone in the super bantamweight division. We’ll be looking to put him in with someone in the top ten, he’s ready.”
