Boxing
Catterall Eager for Title Showdowns Across Weight Divisions
2025-08-11

Jack Catterall, a prominent boxing figure from Chorley, England, is currently exploring championship prospects across both the 140-pound and 147-pound divisions. Having recently secured a technical decision win over Harlem Eubank in the welterweight category, Catterall is now strategically positioning himself for significant title encounters. His recent performance has not diminished his ambition, as he actively seeks challenging opponents to propel his career forward.

The British boxer has openly declared his interest in confronting the victor of the upcoming IBF 147lb title bout between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan, both stablemates under Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing. Such a contest is considered logistically straightforward, given their shared promotional affiliation. Catterall has acknowledged past criticisms regarding his fighting approach, with his manager Sam Jones advocating for a more aggressive, 'come-forward' style to maximize his potential. While Crocker's fighting demeanor aligns with this preference, a match against Donovan, a fellow southpaw, might not deliver the electrifying spectacle that Jones desires. Nonetheless, Catterall embraces the challenge of facing southpaw opponents, drawing confidence from his previous successful encounters with Josh Taylor.

Furthermore, Catterall has extended a challenge to Rolando 'Rolly' Romero, who was recently elevated to full WBA champion after Jaron 'Boots' Ennis's departure from the division. Catterall expressed enthusiasm for this potential matchup, acknowledging Romero's captivating persona and recent impressive victory against Ryan Garcia. He confirmed that such high-stakes fights are precisely what he and his management team are pursuing, affirming his readiness to step into the ring against any formidable opponent.

Despite his recent transition to the welterweight division following a defeat to Arnold Barboza Jnr, Catterall remains committed to challenging for titles at 140 pounds. He credits his dedicated team, including nutritionist and doctor Karl Evans, for enabling him to maintain the ability to make the 140-pound limit. This flexibility in weight classes allows him to capitalize on emerging opportunities in either division. He also mentioned potential future clashes with fighters like Dalton Smith, who is slated to face Subriel Matias later in the year, indicating a strong desire for competitive bouts that resonate with the boxing community.

Catterall's name has also emerged in connection with the Riyadh Season promotions in Saudi Arabia, initiatives spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has previously voiced strong opinions against defensive fighting styles, famously labeling such bouts as 'Tom and Jerry' encounters. He even characterized Catterall's recent fight against Eubank as 'Jerry vs. Jerry,' implying a lack of aggressive engagement. In response, Catterall asserted that with the right opponent—one who is willing to actively engage—he can deliver an entertaining performance, promising a fight far removed from any 'Tom and Jerry' caricature.

These comments by Alalshikh have reportedly influenced other boxers, notably Shakur Stevenson, a renowned defensive artist. Stevenson reportedly adjusted his style in a recent Alalshikh-backed event, engaging more offensively. When asked about Stevenson's approach, Catterall acknowledged the inherent pressure on fighters to entertain while also emphasizing the difficulty of drastically altering a deeply ingrained fighting style. He suggested that while fighters might not undergo complete transformations, they are indeed compelled to take more risks and force the action, especially when audiences pay to witness compelling performances. Catterall himself confirmed that if presented with an opportunity to fight on an Alalshikh-backed card, he would feel the pressure to deliver an engaging and fan-pleasing performance.

more stories
See more