In a highly anticipated WBO world title eliminator that took place on February 15, 2025, Jack Catterall faced Arnold Barboza Jr. at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. The stakes were high, with WBO President Gustavo Olivieri having previously indicated that the winner would be positioned to challenge Teofimo Lopez for the WBO Super Lightweight title. However, the outcome of the fight, and subsequent developments in the division, have significantly reshaped the landscape of the 140 lbs weight class.
The original article, published on January 10, 2025, highlighted the upcoming clash as a crucial step for both fighters. Catterall, coming off a conclusive win over Regis Prograis and prior victories against Josh Taylor and Jorge Linares, boasted a record of 30-1. His sole defeat at the time was a controversial decision against Josh Taylor in their first encounter in 2022. Barboza Jr., with an undefeated record of 31-0, had recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Jose Ramirez.
The Catterall vs. Barboza Jr. Showdown and Aftermath
The fight between Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jr. on February 15, 2025, was indeed sanctioned for the vacant WBO interim super lightweight title, as suggested by WBO President Gustavo Olivieri. The bout, broadcast live on DAZN from Manchester, proved to be a close and tactical affair over 12 rounds. Ultimately, Arnold Barboza Jr. emerged victorious via a split decision, with two judges scoring the fight 115-113 in his favor, and one judge scoring it 115-113 for Catterall.
The decision marked Catterall’s second professional defeat, denying him the immediate world title shot he sought. While Catterall found success with his straight left hand and counter punches, Barboza Jr. was credited for his volume punching and effective body-head combinations. Barboza Jr. knocked Catterall off balance in the seventh round, and in the tenth, Catterall tumbled to the canvas, though the referee ruled it a slip. According to CompuBox stats, Barboza Jr. threw significantly more punches (434 vs. Catterall’s 300), though Catterall’s defensive craft limited Barboza’s overall accuracy.
Following this victory, Arnold Barboza Jr.’s professional record improved to 32-0. He then went on to challenge Teofimo Lopez for the WBO World Junior Welterweight championship on May 2, 2025, at Times Square, New York, where he suffered his first professional loss via unanimous decision. Barboza Jr. has since returned to the ring, most recently defeating Kenneth Sims Jr. by unanimous decision on March 14, 2026, bringing his record to 33-1.
Jack Catterall, despite the setback, continued his career. After the Barboza fight, his record stood at 30-2. He secured two subsequent wins in 2025: a technical decision over Harlem Eubank on July 5, 2025, and an 11th-round technical knockout against Ekow Essuman on November 15, 2025, improving his record to 32-2.
Undercard Highlights: Bellotti and McCormack Deliver
The Manchester card also featured other significant matchups. Reece Bellotti faced Michael Gomez Jr. for the British and Commonwealth Featherweight titles. This bout, originally scheduled for October 2024 but postponed due to Gomez Jr. suffering a kidney infection, saw Bellotti defend his titles with a 10th-round stoppage. Bellotti floored Gomez Jr. with body shots in the fifth and eighth rounds, leading to Gomez Jr.’s corner pulling him out before the tenth round.
In another eliminator, Pat McCormack clashed with Robbie Davies Jr. McCormack delivered a dominant performance, stopping Davies Jr. in six rounds to retain his WBA Intercontinental welterweight title. McCormack, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, showcased superior conditioning and an aggressive offense, dropping Davies twice in the third round and again in the fifth. Davies Jr.’s corner, led by former world champion Anthony Crolla, called a halt to the bout before the sixth round. Following the fight, the 35-year-old Davies announced his retirement, concluding his career with a record of 24-6.
Teofimo Lopez’s Path and Divisional Implications
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri’s initial statement regarding the Catterall-Barboza winner facing Teofimo Lopez was made in light of Lopez’s ongoing contract disputes with promoter Top Rank. Olivieri had expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding Lopez’s career, recommending the interim title fight to keep the 140 lbs division active. He stated on X, ‘In light of the uncertainty regarding Teofimo Lopez’s career, it is in the best interest of boxing & the 140 lbs division, recommending […] that Barboza/Catterall be sanctioned for the interim title’. He further elaborated, suggesting the winner should be declared ‘mandatory subject to specific conditions & time frame to fight Lopez to terminate the interim champion status and have only world champion in the 140lbs’.
Indeed, the WBO followed through, and Arnold Barboza Jr., as the interim champion, became the mandatory challenger for Teofimo Lopez. Lopez, who won the WBO Super Lightweight title against Josh Taylor in 2023, successfully defended his title against Barboza Jr. on May 2, 2025, via unanimous decision, thereby terminating the interim champion status. This victory brought Lopez’s record to 22-1. His one loss remains the major upset to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021.
Despite the resolution of the Barboza mandatory, Lopez’s career continued to be marked by significant developments. Negotiations for a fight with Subriel Matias had reportedly collapsed in late 2024/early 2025 due to Lopez’s contract disputes with Top Rank and his rejection of an offer. However, Lopez’s next major challenge came against Shakur Stevenson. On January 31, 2026, Teofimo Lopez defended his WBO and The Ring junior welterweight titles against Shakur Stevenson at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Lopez suffered his second professional loss, being comprehensively outclassed by Stevenson via unanimous decision, and was dethroned as the WBO light-welterweight champion.
The super lightweight division remains dynamic, with new champions and contenders constantly emerging. The WBO’s proactive approach in sanctioning an interim title fight ensured movement in the division despite the uncertainties surrounding its champion. The outcomes of these fights have paved the way for new rivalries and championship pursuits in the competitive 140 lbs landscape.
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