AFTER a stellar 2024 positioned Jack Catterall for a second world title shot, the Chorley-based super-lightweight fell short at the final hurdle in February.
Yet, the Lancashire southpaw remains a formidable force at the top of the 140lb division and is poised to launch a third quest for a title, with a fight date now in discussion for the return of ‘El Gato’.
Catterall, 30-2 (13 KOs), famously endured a highly controversial split-decision loss to then-undisputed champion Josh Taylor in his only world title bout to date, widely believed by many to have been denied boxing’s ultimate prize.
Still, after securing two victories the following year, Catterall solidified his status in 2024 as a leading contender at the weight. He exacted revenge in a rematch with Taylor and dominated two-time world champion Regis Prograis, setting himself up for another shot at super-lightweight glory.
In February, Catterall faced undefeated Californian Arnold Barboza Jr, 32-0 (11 KOs), on home turf, aiming to capture the WBO interim title and advance to a targeted world title clash with WBO champion Teofimo Lopez.
Despite the support of his vocal fans, Catterall couldn’t sway the judges and suffered a deserved second split-decision loss of his career. Barboza, instead, earned the world title fight against Lopez, now set for May 2 at the iconic Times Square in New York.
Nevertheless, Catterall holds the world #4 ranking with both the WBO and WBC and may be just one win away from a long-sought second attempt at a super-lightweight crown. In a recent Instagram Q&A, his manager, Sam Jones, shared that the 31-year-old is ‘hopefully’ slated to return in July.
Who his opponent might be is anyone’s guess, though undefeated compatriot Harlem Eubank, 21-0 (9 KOs), has openly expressed interest in facing Catterall in an all-British showdown this year. The bout could mark either a welterweight debut for Catterall or, more likely, a return to super-lightweight for Eubank, who has competed twice at welterweight in the past five months.
Jones also confirmed that rising Manchester fan-favourite Pat Brown, 1-0 (1 KO), will fight again in June, following a knockout win over Federico Grandone in his professional debut last month.
