Soon after the final bell, Barboza (33-1, 11 KOs) started carving a lane for a crack at the division’s best. Chief atop the list for the former 140-pound titleholder is WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia.

Barboza believes a bout is feasible since Garcia is planning for a July return while the rest of the division’s top players pursue other paths.

“I beat Sims convincingly, and I deserve a title shot,” Barboza said post-fight. “But boxing is crazy, and the deck of cards changes every week. I think I am the perfect fight for Ryan. It makes a lot of sense, and I am looking forward to it, if we can make it happen. I'm not a stay-busy fight for him. He's going to have his hands full. I think it will be a really good fight.

“A lot of people were impressed with Ryan's last performance, but Mario Barrios looked drained. He looked off. Barrios fought like I did against Teofimo Lopez. When you are at a weight class for so long, your body outgrows the division. I'll be fresh, just like Ryan. I felt really comfortable in my welterweight debut.”

Barboza shed his status as a slight betting underdog against Sims, returning to the win column after his first professional loss in May against Lopez. The defeat ended the wave of momentum Barboza was riding following victories against Jack Catterall and Jose Ramirez.

With WBO champion Devin Haney and WBA titleholder Rolando Romero headed toward a fight against each other, and IBF beltholder Lewis Crocker sidelined with a hand injury, Garcia could be inclined to face Barboza if he intends to stay busy this summer, as he announced following his dominant unanimous decision win against Barrios last month.

Barboza and Garcia are both from Southern California and tied to Golden Boy Promotions. Barboza also stated that he was on the shortlist of fighters being considered for Garcia’s last fight before Barrios eventually got the call.

If Garcia has other plans for his next fight, Barboza might have to settle for Alexis Rocha, who beat Joseph Diaz Jr. on Saturday and entered the ring during Barboza’s post-fight interview to challenge him.

“I want a bigger fight than Alexis Rocha,” said Barboza. “I want Ryan, or any of the champions. If I can't get a bigger name, we can go with Rocha. We'll see where we go from here. Nothing in my career has been given to me, and everything has been earned.”