This weekend in Manchester, Jack Catterall (30-2, 13KO’s) steps into the ring facing a must-win showdown against the unbeaten Harlem Eubank (21-0, 9KO’s) for the IBF Inter-continental welterweight title.
Calling this bout a must-win highlights the brutal, fast-moving nature of boxing, a sport where Catterall was just one win away from a world title shot, only to see a single defeat send him sliding back down the pecking order.
Stepping in once again to face the unbeaten American Arnold Barboza Jr, it was viewed as a tough test for the Chorley native, but one many believed, and hoped, he would pass as he edged closer to a long-awaited shot at world title gold.
The 32-year-old fell short, as a highly impressive Arnold Barboza Jr came to Manchester and outclassed Catterall, outlanding him over 12 rounds to capture the WBO interim super-lightweight crown.
It marked only the second defeat of Catterall’s professional career, the first coming in a highly controversial split decision loss to long-time rival Josh Taylor in 2022, with not just a world title on the line, but the honour of being crowned undisputed champion at 140 lbs.
Although Catterall would go on to avenge the loss in 2024, the rematch with Taylor was ultimately for little more than bragging rights. And if Catterall ends his career without capturing world honours, many will forever look back on that night in Glasgow as the moment that should have been his crowning achievement.
Eubank enters the fight on the back of arguably the best performance of his career, dropping Tyrone McKenna three times en route to a 10th-round stoppage and the IBF Inter-Continental welterweight title.
While still considered a slight underdog heading into this weekend’s bout, a victory in his opponent’s backyard would add a major name to Eubank’s résumé, and would catapult him ahead of Catterall in the race for a shot at the IBF world welterweight title.
The timing to seize that opportunity may never be better for either man, with current champion Jaron Ennis expected to move up from 147 lbs, leaving the IBF title vacant.
Writers Prediction For Jack Catterall v Harlem Eubank
This weekend’s clash between Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank promises to be a fascinating battle of styles, a closely contested and, at times, tense encounter between two fighters who both need a win to break through to world level.
It may seem harsh to call this Catterall’s last roll of the dice, but the pressure is undeniable. The Matchroom fighter does, however, carry the advantage of big-fight experience, something Eubank has yet to encounter at this level.
Eubank will look to build on the momentum from his last performance, and take inspiration from Barboza Jr’s blueprint, applying heavy pressure and a relentless work rate to prevent Catterall from settling into his rhythm or landing effective counter shots.
However, it’s unclear whether Eubank can replicate the sustained output that the American delivered to keep Catterall at bay, and you’d expect the Chorley man to find success fighting off the back foot if given the space.
Predicition – Jack Catterall by decision.
