JACK Catterall looks to put himself next in line for WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez when he collides with Arnold Barboza Jr on February 15.
The pair will lock horns at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England, for a final eliminator, with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for Lopez’s strap.
Catterall comes off a strong performance over Regis Prograis, flooring the former world champion in the ninth round before claiming a wide unanimous decision victory.
Before that, ‘El Gato’ avenged his only professional blemish to Josh Taylor, ending their fierce rivalry after losing a highly controversial decision in their first encounter.
But now, Catterall’s eyes are firmly fixed on a potential clash with Lopez, looking to secure his second world title shot.
“Glad you are sticking around [Lopez],” he wrote on X earlier today. “I will be seeing you very soon.”
The post arrived after some bizarre activity from ‘The Takeover’ on social media, where he has expressed an interest in ending his relationship with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
Not only that, but Lopez went even further to claim that he is too “expensive” for Top Rank, before revealing that his contract with the promotional outfit, and ESPN, expires on July 26.
Until then, the 27-year-old is expected to resume his working relationship alongside Arum, with a title defence against former world champion Subriel Matias seemingly being targeted for March 15.
But regardless of Lopez’s contractual situation, Catterall fully believes that, after taking care of business against Barboza, he will be presented with a shot against the 140 lb champion.
