Jack Catterall will face unbeaten American Arnold Barboza Jr in a Final Eliminator for the WBO Super-Lightweight World Title which Teofimo Lopez currently holds, in association with Golden Boy Promotions, at Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday February 15, live worldwide on DAZN.
Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) dropped Regis Prograis twice in the ninth round of their highly anticipated showdown in October on route to decisioning the former two-time Super-Lightweight World Champion to claim the WBO International crown.
California’s Barboza Jr (31-0, 11 KOs), a former WBO International and Intercontinental 140lbs Champion, outpointed Jose Carlos Ramirez over ten rounds last time out on the undercard of Gilberto Ramirez’s Unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Title triumph over Chris Billam-Smith in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to take my skills overseas and contribute to my team’s success,” said Barboza Jr. “I’m truly excited to do what I do best and make it a meaningful win. To the fans, thank you for your trust and support—I’m looking forward for this!”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn believes this will be a defining night in Jack Catterall’s career. He said: “This is absolutely huge. It is a Final Eliminator for the WBO World Title – and, hopefully, it could even be for the World Title if Teofimo Lopez gets out of the way. Jack should already be an undisputed World Champion. And there is no better way than to prove that he has earned his place at the very top by beating Arnold Barboza Jr in what is a fantastic fight in 140lbs division.”
Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Chairman and CEO, said: “Arnold Barboza Jr has been the gatekeeper for so long and I feel so happy for him that he is finally getting a shot that he deserves – and, hopefully, for the World Title if Teofimo Lopez moves up a weight. It will be a great fight. I think Jack Catterall is a terrific fighter. It’s a pick-‘em fight and let’s see who wins.”
PUNSH DRUNK BOXING 