A compelling crossroads matchup, filled with so many unanswered questions, would perhaps best describe Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank’s clash this Saturday.
Despite both sharing the age of 31, their respective trajectories – with Eubank, so he says, first lacing up the gloves as a late starter of 22 – have looked drastically different.
Nevertheless, their welterweight contest, which will headline a Matchroom Boxing show at the Manchester Arena, should, if nothing else, deliver an intriguing blend of styles.
One can only suspect that the winner would then push on towards world honours, a territory that Catterall, unlike his next opponent, has already developed a taste for.
Either way, Boxing News has taken a closer look at how both men could emerge victorious.
JACK CATTERALL – KEYS TO VICTORY
Aggression
Despite it being a razor-thin split decision, not to mention a no-knockdown that could have swung the other way, losing to Arnold Barboza Jr was, more than likely, a bitter pill for Catterall to swallow.
At the same time, though, it could equally be said that the slick southpaw hardly proved to the judges – beyond any reasonable doubt – that he had done enough to win.
Rather, a lack of aggression meant that Catterall had given himself an enormous mountain to climb, so much so that Barboza’s added assertiveness was, quite simply, the most decisive factor in their largely uneventful fight.
So while, this time around, he remains unlikely to revolutionise his style, Catterall must nonetheless display greater proficiency on the front foot.
Counterpunches
While it is vitally important, mostly from a judge’s perspective, for Catterall to elevate his aggression, he must also utilise his more natural strengths as a fighter.
One of which, of course, happens to be his counterpunching prowess. And against Eubank, a less dynamic mover, that is where ‘El Gato’ is likely to have the majority of his success.
Catterall’s overhand left, in particular, represents a potent weapon which, if landed flush on Eubank’s chin, could quite easily orchestrate a stunning outcome.
But regardless of that, his eye-catching counters should, more importantly, allow him to build a lead on the judges’ scorecards.
Strength
Perhaps a more underrated attribute of Catterall’s, but his strength on the inside is often what enables him to control the distance so effectively.
And while he is moving up from 140lbs, the body dimensions of Eubank – a man who also campaigned at super-lightweight not so long ago – are unlikely to represent much of a concern for the home fighter.
In fact, there may even be little to no size difference come fight night, meaning that Catterall’s experience as the more well-versed operator at close quarters – whether that be to outmanoeuvre or smother his opponent – could be seen as another telling factor.
HARLEM EUBANK – KEYS TO VICTORY
Engine
It is important to highlight, first and foremost, that stamina has seemingly never been an issue for Catterall.
But while that appears to be the case, Eubank has nonetheless developed a gas tank, albeit at a much lower level, that has seen him grind previous opponents down through the 10 and 12-round distances.
It is no wonder, after all, that a man who looks as though he is carved out of stone just so happens to possess remarkable fitness levels.
But that, like with Catterall’s counterpunches, has only added to Eubank’s identity as a fighter, giving him all the more reason to focus on his greatest strengths.
Volume
Against a fighter like Catterall, the primary aim should always be to disrupt their rhythm. That way, there is a chance, at least, that their pulsating movement will begin to falter.
To achieve that outcome, though, Eubank must ensure that he maintains a prolific punch output, often at times when his opponent may be looking for a brief window of respite.
By elevating his intensity while Catterall appears less eager to work, Eubank is then more likely to nullify the superior footwork of his domestic counterpart.
Otherwise, a long night of falling into traps could await the unbeaten contender.
Risk-taking
While Catterall, it could be said, is the more well-schooled technician, a series of exchanges at mid-range could quite easily swing in favour of Eubank.
As previously mentioned, Catterall’s best work is likely to emerge at long and short-range, mitigating the danger of him eating a punishing barrage of attacks.
It is Eubank’s job, then, to force his opponent into a less defensively responsible battle, hoping that his natural durability and warrior’s spirit will see him outlast the seasoned technician.
In doing so, Eubank could edge a hard-fought decision or, better yet, secure an emphatic finish if the moment presents itself.
