by David P. Greisman
Brian Barbosa, a former middleweight who fought a few recognizable names, was arrested earlier this month and accused of being one of three people involved in an attack that left a man badly injured, according to Massachusetts newspaper The Enterprise.
Barbosa was “charged with armed assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon,” the report said. The alleged incident happened at a home in the town of Mashpee. The victim had to undergo brain surgery after being beaten with a tire iron.
The 41-year-old turned pro in 1991 with a loss and suffered three defeats in his first 11 bouts, but by 1996 he had scored a stoppage win over future title challenger (and Bernard Hopkins trilogy foe) Robert Allen. Barbosa lost via knockout to Antwun Echols in 1998 and by decision to Carl Daniels in 2000. He left the sport in 2003, only to return for one bout apiece in 2011, 2012 and 2013. His record was 31-7 with 23 KOs and 1 no contest.
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