NEW YORK - Teofimo Lopez is still extremely young, even compared with the short lifespan associated with the sport of boxing. His name, however, has seemingly been around forever.

When the 27-year-old started his career in 2016, he was a red-hot prospect. It didn’t take long for him to shed that tag and morph into a bonafide contender and, eventually, a world champion and pound-for-pound star.

That was the first phase of his career. The second was shrouded in mystery. On some nights, Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) looked incredible, just pop in the tape of his win over Josh Taylor.

In other instances, The Ring and WBO titlist appeared lackluster. Look no further than his controversial win over Jamaine Ortiz and his loss to George Kambosos.

Those two stages are dead and gone. Now, like a magician, he’s gearing up to reveal his next act.

“I’m ready to show you the third version of Teofimo that you have yet seen,” said Lopez during Wednesday's press conference for Fatal Fury in Times Square.

Friday night, that part of New York City will be shut down for several hours as Lopez, his opponent Arnold Barboza and a long list of star-studded fighters jump on the scene.

Barboza, from Lopez’s perspective, is a perfect fighter. He doesn't fear the interim WBO beltholder, but understands his reputation, especially as of late, is pristine.

In back-to-back appearances, the 33-year-old knocked off Jose Ramirez and Jack Catterall. That sort of run is what Lopez wants to end, knowing that he’ll get full credit for it. Although he could’ve gone off on his normal tangent and vividly described the damage he wants to inflict, Lopez left that up to the imagination.

If fans get tired of envisioning how things will play out, all they’ll have to do is tune in and watch the carnage on DAZN.

“You don’t wanna miss it,” Lopez said. “I’m the type of fighter that does anything and everything. I can’t wait to express that Friday night.”