TRAINER Jamie Moore has thrown his support behind a potential showdown between his super-lightweight contender Jack Catterall and IBF champion Richardson Hitchins. However, he’s less enthusiastic about the belt itself.
Catterall, 31, suffered his second career defeat last November, dropping a decision to Arnold Barboza Jr. in a WBO interim title fight that doubled as a final eliminator. Despite the setback, he remains a top-10 contender at 140 lbs and in the mix for a world title shot, especially with promoter Eddie Hearn steering both Catterall, 30-2 (13 KOs), and Hitchins, 19-0 (7 KOs).
The unbeaten New Yorker is slated for his first IBF title defence this summer. George Kambosos Jr. is the frontrunner after outpointing Jake Wyllie on March 22 in his super-lightweight debut. Kambosos, 22-3 (10 KOs), called out Hitchins post-fight, and Hearn, who also promotes the Aussie, is keen to make it happen—but a deep cut to Kambosos’ eye could delay those plans.
If Hitchins vs. Kambosos falls through, Catterall—unranked by the IBF—could step in as a viable alternative.
“I’d be happy for Jack to jump in with anyone at world level, including Hitchins,” Moore told Boxing News. “Stylistically, I’m not sure it’s a great blend for them both, but if it’s for a world title, we’d certainly be up for it.”
Moore’s hesitation stems from the IBF’s occasional 10-pound rehydration clause, which caps fighters’ weight gain between the official weigh-in and a fight-day check-weigh-in.
“I’m not too keen on the IBF title,” he admitted. “I don’t like the 10-pound limit. Once you’ve officially weighed in, it shouldn’t be anyone’s business what you weigh after—whether it’s five pounds heavier, 10 pounds, or 15 pounds.
“It’s a hindrance you don’t need. I’m sure there’ve been talks with the IBF over the years because no other sanctioning body has that rule. It’s a bit silly, but we’d still be up for the fight if it comes up.”
