UNLIKE most media events involving a member of the Eubank family, the proceedings at today’s press conference were, well, parliamentary to say the least.
Both Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank kept it classy, feeling no need to drum up any hype ahead of their welterweight showdown at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.
Indeed, it is a fight that speaks for itself, as the pair will lock horns on July 5 in an intriguing crossroads encounter that should, more than anything else, deliver a compelling chess match.
Catterall, 30-2 (13 KOs), of course, has competed at a much higher level, losing a highly-contentious split decision to former undisputed champion Josh Taylor before exacting his revenge just over two years later.
Along with that win last year came an equally comprehensive points victory over Regis Prograis, only for a defeat to Arnold Barboza Jr in February to scupper his unbeaten run.
Eubank, 20-1 (9 KOs), meanwhile, comes off arguably a career-best performance against Tyrone McKenna, flooring the battle-hardened veteran twice before halting proceedings with a scintillating tenth-round finish.
And while he remains unproven at the level above, the 31-year-old firmly believes that a victory over Catterall – on away territory, no less – will catapult him towards a shot at world honours.
“Jack is a world-class operator – he’s proven it time and time again,” Eubank said on the press conference table.
“Now is my opportunity to go in there and show people that I’m ready to win a world title.
“Jack is the type of fighter I need to overcome; to fulfil my ambitions in the sport. We know how good Jack is, [but] this fight isn’t about how good Jack is; this is about how good I am.”
Equally, Catterall remains convinced, as evidenced by his track record against domestic opposition, that he has the beating of Eubank.
“I believe [my] experience, [my] skill set, [my] timing, [my] speed [and my] power is going to be too much for Harlem,” the 31-year-old said.
“When the phone rang and they presented Harlem, it was a ‘yes’ – it’s always been a ‘yes.’
“What excites me about this fight is [it’s a domestic fight]. They’re the fights throughout my career where I’ve probably performed at my best.”
