Catterall Vs. Barboza Jr. – How Does It Play Out?

Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jr. fight in a WBO Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator this weekend, as we look at how the fight could play out. 

Catterall enters into the fight with just one loss. He came unstuck against Josh Taylor in a controversial split decision loss. Most of the boxing world had him winning. He avenged the loss in the rematch to give Taylor his second loss. His record stands at 30-1, with 13 KOs. He beat former WBC Junior Welterweight Champion Regis Prograis in his last fight. 

Barboza Jr. beat Jose Carlos Ramirez in his previous fight. He remains undefeated with a 31-0 record, with 11 knockouts. He has a win over former world champion Jose Pedraza. The winner of Catterall-Barboza puts themselves in a mandatory position for the WBO Junior Welterweight Champion Teofimo Lopez. 

What Happens?

Catterall is a southpaw who does pack a punch. He sent Prograis to the canvas on two occasions, as his backhand is very accurate. But it was not enough to keep Prograis down, meaning Catterall will have to vary his game. Barboza likes to poke out his jab before unleashing combinations. He has a three-inch reach advantage, meaning Catterall will have to work his way in and out of range. 
 
Catterall has more experience at the elite level. He has beaten three former world champions: Jorge Linares, Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis. Those were three wins on the spin. He is also arguably undisputed at 140, as he lost to Taylor in a decision many described as a robbery. Barboza’s biggest wins were against Jose Pedraza and Jose Ramirez. The fighters are ready for war. But Catterall will be the favorite based on their resume.

Pre-Fight

“Yeah, and that’s exciting. We’re both in that same position where we know what’s next. It’s a final eliminator, it’s an interim world title which probably gives it a little bit more security given the time frame Teo’s got to defend in if he does defend, e.t.c. I just know that a victory over Barbosa, it’s the last time I’m going to be in an eliminator before I get my chance to fight for a world title,” Catterall said 

“I’ve been calling for this fight since 2022. This is a great opportunity, and I hope it is sold out. 20,000 fans bullying me is going to turn me on. This is something that I’ve dreamed about. This is a fight that I’ve been waiting for my whole career. I’ve worked hard to get here, just like him, so let’s get it on. I feel like my whole career, I’ve been the underdog. Even when I’m the favourite, I think I’ve been overlooked. People are finally getting to see who Barboza is. On February 15th, my hand will be raised and that belt will come with me. I’m overall a better fighter than him,” Barboza said 

Full Card

Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr 

Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr

 Pat McCormack vs Robbie Davies Jr 

Zelfa Barrett vs Jazza Dickens 

Joe McGrail vs Ashley Lane