Jack Catterall captured the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title on Saturday, May 23, 2026, after delivering a masterclass performance against Shakhram Giyasov at the Pyramids of Giza. All three ringside judges scored the bout heavily in favor of the 32-year-old Briton, with tallies of 119-108, 116-111, and 118-109. The victory marks a career-defining moment for the Chorley southpaw, who finally secured a world title after years of high-profile near-misses and controversial decisions in the super lightweight division.
The fight, held at an outdoor arena in Egypt as the co-main event to the historic clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, saw Catterall assert his dominance from the opening bell. Known as “El Gato,” Jack Catterall utilized his superior defensive awareness and timing to neutralize Shakhram Giyasov’s aggression. The Uzbek fighter, previously unbeaten and nicknamed “Wonder Boy,” struggled to find his distance against the tactical precision of his opponent and suffered the first defeat of his professional career.
A pivotal moment arrived early in the first round when Jack Catterall landed a sharp straight left hand that sent Shakhram Giyasov to the canvas. While the 32-year-old Giyasov managed to beat the count and regain his footing, the knockdown established a psychological advantage that the Briton never relinquished. Catterall operated behind a disciplined lead hand, consistently picking off Giyasov’s attacks while landing counters that slowed the pace of the contest to his liking.
Jack Catterall dominates Shakhram Giyasov in Cairo thriller
The technical gap between the two fighters became increasingly evident as the rounds progressed under the Egyptian night sky. Jack Catterall entered the ring with 260 rounds of professional experience, and that seasoned composure was on full display. He controlled the range effortlessly, making Shakhram Giyasov miss with wilder hooks and ensuring the WBA title would be heading back to Lancashire. By the middle rounds, Giyasov appeared hesitant to commit, wary of the stinging left hand that had caught him early on.
This match-up was made possible after the WBA elevated Rolando Romero to Super Champion status, leaving the ‘Regular’ title vacant for these two contenders. It was a calculated risk for both men, as Shakhram Giyasov had previously been avoided by many at 147 pounds. Promoter Eddie Hearn noted after the fight that both athletes deserved immense respect for “rolling the dice” in such a high-stakes environment outside of their traditional home markets.
Following the announcement of the scores, an emotional Jack Catterall reflected on his journey to the top. “I can’t put it into words, I am the happiest man in the world,” he told the broadcaster. The victory improves his professional record to 33 wins and 2 losses, with 14 knockouts, cementing his status as a major player in the evolving welterweight landscape. Despite being 32 years old, Catterall looked revitalized at the higher weight limit, showing no signs of fatigue over the championship distance.
Future targets for the new WBA welterweight champion
The victory at the Pyramids puts Jack Catterall on a direct collision course with the division’s elite. During his post-fight interview, he expressed an immediate desire to return to training and target the other titleholders in the weight class. “I feel good. I feel fresh. No injuries,” Catterall stated, specifically mentioning Rolando “Rolly” Romero as a potential next opponent. Given the mandatory obligations associated with the WBA strap, a unification or a defense against another high-ranked contender seems inevitable for late 2026.
Managing the career of a newly crowned champion requires careful navigation of the sanctioning body rankings. Before this victory, Jack Catterall had built significant momentum with wins over Ekow Essuman and Regis Prograis. His transition to welterweight appears to have solved any issues regarding weight cutting, as he maintained his speed and power through the 12th round. Fans are already speculating whether he might eventually cross paths with other big names in the division.
Shakhram Giyasov, meanwhile, will have to regroup after a frustrating night where he was simply outboxed. Prior to this, he had alleged that rivals were ducking him and avoiding his power, but he found no answers for the Chorley man’s southpaw style. For Giyasov, now 17-1, the path back to title contention will likely involve a return to the gym to refine his approach against elite-level defensive specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the official result of the Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov fight?
Jack Catterall defeated Shakhram Giyasov via a unanimous decision after 12 rounds of boxing. The judges’ scores were 119-108, 116-111, and 118-109 in favor of the British fighter, who also scored a knockdown in the first round of the contest.
Which title did Jack Catterall win in Egypt?
Jack Catterall won the vacant WBA ‘Regular’ welterweight championship. The title became available after Rolando Romero was elevated to the status of WBA Super Champion, allowing Catterall and Giyasov to compete for the vacant belt on the “Glory in Giza” card.
Where did the Catterall vs. Giyasov fight take place?
The bout took place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It served as the co-main event to the heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, marking one of the highest-profile boxing events ever held in the region.
