Catterall Pursues Lopez Title Shot After WBA Win

Jack Catterall plans to enforce his mandatory WBA title shot against Teofimo Lopez following his September victory over Shakhram Giyasov in Egypt.

Catterall, who claimed the WBA regular belt by beating Giyasov, told iFL TV that he now holds mandatory status for the super title currently around Lopez's waist. The situation arose after Rolando Romero gave up 180 days to face the Catterall-Giyasov winner, then instead fought Lopez. "Nobody wanted to fight him, he was mandatory for Rolando's title for over two years," Catterall said of Giyasov, per Bad Left Hook. "We agreed to fight, I beat him for the world title and we move on now."

Where Lopez Stands On Mandatory Defence

Lopez has publicly targeted fights with Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, bigger commercial draws than Catterall. But the Brit pointed out that Lopez has positioned himself as an advocate for enforcing sanctioning body mandatories. "Teo's been the one that's been the advocate for 'let's make boxing great again'," Catterall said. "Let's apply these mandatories, let's play by the rule book, let's now swerve them. So we're mandatory for his title and that's where we stand."

Catterall confirmed that his manager and Matchroom are in contact with the WBA, which is expected to order the fight soon. Lopez will then face a choice: accept the mandatory or vacate the belt. Catterall said he expects Lopez to take the fight rather than walk away from the title.

No timeline has been set for the WBA's formal order.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘We’re mandatory for his title’: Jack Catterall pursuing title shot against Teofimo Lopez