Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr set for February 15
Jack Catterall will face unbeaten American Arnold Barboza Jr in a Last Eliminator for the WBO Tremendous-Light-weight World Title, in affiliation with Golden Boy Promotions, at Co-op Stay in Manchester on Saturday February 15, stay worldwide on DAZN.
Chorley’s Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) floored Regis Prograis twice within the ninth spherical of their extremely anticipated showdown in October on path to decisioning the previous two-time Tremendous-Light-weight World Champion to assert the WBO Worldwide crown.
That win capped a memorable 2024 for ‘El Gato’, who earlier within the 12 months avenged the only lack of his profession in opposition to bitter rival Josh Taylor in Leeds, and a win over Barboza Jr in February will see the 31-year-old southpaw safe one other shot at world honours.
California’s Barboza Jr (31-0, 11 KOs), a former WBO Worldwide and Intercontinental 140lbs Champion, outpointed Jose Carlos Ramirez over ten rounds final trip on the undercard of Gilberto Ramirez’s Unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Title conquer Chris Billam-Smith in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The 33-year-old, at present ranked at primary with the WBO, is but to pattern defeat since becoming a member of the skilled ranks again in June 2013, and the Los Angeles resident is extremely motivated to arrange an all-American World Title conflict along with his compatriot Teofimo Lopez.
“I’m wanting ahead to combating again in Manchester,” mentioned Jack Catterall. “It was an unbelievable expertise opening large time boxing at Co-op Stay again in October. I’m trying to do it greater and higher on February 15. I’ve bought an awesome struggle in Barboza Jr. I’m glad he lastly discovered his pen. I’m not overlooking him, however I’m able to smash him to items to cement my spot for the WBO World Title. I’m equipped for this one.”
“I need to specific my gratitude for the chance to take my expertise abroad and contribute to my group’s success,” mentioned Barboza Jr. “I’m really excited to do what I do finest and make it a significant win. To the followers, thanks on your belief and assist—I’m wanting ahead for this!”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn believes this will probably be a defining night time in Jack Catterall’s profession. He mentioned: “That is completely big. It’s a Last Eliminator for the WBO World Title – and, hopefully, it might even be for the World Title if Teofimo Lopez will get out of the best way. Jack ought to already be an undisputed World Champion. And there’s no higher manner than to show that he has earned his place on the very high by beating Arnold Barboza Jr in what’s a unbelievable struggle in 140lbs division.”
Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Chairman and CEO, mentioned: “Arnold Barboza Jr has been the gatekeeper for therefore lengthy and I really feel so joyful for him that he’s lastly getting a shot that he deserves – and, hopefully, for the World Title if Teofimo Lopez strikes up a weight. It is going to be an awesome struggle. I feel Jack Catterall is a terrific fighter. It’s a pick-‘em struggle and let’s see who wins.”
Tickets priced £40, £60, £100, £200 and £350 (ringside) go on sale for Combat Go and Co-op Member pre-sale at 10am on December 27, with Matchroom Precedence on sale between 12-3pm on December 28. Followers can buy tickets on December 28 from 3pm UK time.
