Catterall & Barboza Jr. Make Weight For Saturday’s Clash
Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jr. made the junior welterweight limit before their clash on Saturday.
Catterall is expected to beat Barboza in this WBO title eliminator. A win would make him mandatory for the full belt, which is currently held by Teofimo Lopez. The Takeover has been linked with a move up to 147, meaning Catterall could become the full champion if Teo is stripped. Catterall is 30-1. He beat Regis Prograis in his last fight via a unanimous decision, dropping him twice in the process.
That was his third consecutive win against a former world champion after beating Jorge Linares and Josh Taylor. Barboza Jr. is undefeated with a 31-0 record. With just 11 KOs to his name, he is not the biggest puncher like Catterall. But he does have a win over former world champion Jose Pedraza, showing he cannot be taken lightly. Catterall hit the scales at 139.8 pounds, while Barboza weighed 139.6.
Pre-Fight Talk
“We’re both in that same position where we know what’s next. It’s a final eliminator, it’s an interim world title which probably gives it a little bit more security given the time frame Teo’s got to defend in if he does defend, e.t.c. I just know that a victory over Barbosa, it’s the last time I’m going to be in an eliminator before I get my chance to fight for a world title,” Catterall said
“I’ve been calling for this fight since 2022. This is a great opportunity, and I hope it is sold out. 20,000 fans bullying me is going to turn me on. This is something that I’ve dreamed about. This is a fight that I’ve been waiting for my whole career. I’ve worked hard to get here, just like him, so let’s get it on.
“I feel like my whole career, I’ve been the underdog. Even when I’m the favourite, I think I’ve been overlooked. People are finally getting to see who Barboza is. On February 15th, my hand will be raised and that belt will come with me. I’m overall a better fighter than him,” Barboza said
Full Card
Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr.
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr.
Zelfa Barrett vs Jazza Dickens
Pat McCormack vs Robbie Davies Jr.
William Crolla vs Ayoub Zakari
Conner Tudsbury vs Sadaam Moamed Da Silva Caetano
Aqib Fiaz vs Lydon Chircop
Alfie Middlemiss vs Caine Singh
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