on september 16, 1932, at the age of 19, he defeated reigning nba world featherweight champion tommy paul in a close ten round non-title fight, dropping him in the second and fourth rounds. after his win, arizmendi requested the national boxing association (nba) recognize his status as champion. in support of his claim to the nba title, the california boxing commission gave him the opportunity to fight for their version of the world title.