Whether or not it arises to a full-fledged title bout by battle evening is within the arms of Teofimo Lopez’s handlers, however Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jnr will not less than get as shut as doable to the WBO 140-pound title February 15 after they conflict in Manchester, England.
Matchroom formally introduced that the deal has been finalized for England’s Catterall 30-1 (13 KOs) to satisfy Southern California’s Barboza 31-0 (11 KOs) within the WBO remaining eliminator.
Champion Lopez has made repeated makes an attempt to land a welterweight battle, most just lately pushing IBF champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis for a title shot after beforehand doing so with new WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr.
Ought to Lopez conform to a subsequent battle and vacate his 140-pound belt, the WBO would doubtless bless Catterall-Barboza because the title battle.
Each males, respectively have defeated latest undisputed and unified champions Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez.
Catterall avenged a disputed 2022 loss to Taylor on the scorecards by defeating him by unanimous determination in Could, and Barboza is coming off a November unanimous-decision triumph (97-93, 96-94, 96-94) over Ramirez in Saudi Arabia.
DAZN will stream the bout.
“I’m trying ahead to combating again in Manchester,” Catterall mentioned in a Sunday information launch. “It was an unbelievable expertise opening massive time boxing (by defeating former 140-pound champion Regis Prograis) at Co-op Dwell again in October. I’m seeking to do it greater and higher on February 15. I’ve acquired a terrific battle in Barboza Jr. I’m glad he lastly discovered his pen. I’m not overlooking him, however I’m able to smash him to items to cement my spot for the WBO World Title. I’m equipped for this one.”
Barboza expects his second consecutive street journey to be a memorable expertise.
“I need to categorical my gratitude for the chance to take my abilities abroad and contribute to my workforce’s success,” he mentioned in a ready assertion. “I’m actually excited to do what I do finest and make it a significant win.”
With Barboza promoter Oscar De LaHoya calling it a “pick-em” battle, Catterall promoter Eddie Hearn pointed to the potential for the match taking up elevated stakes.
“That is completely enormous. It’s a remaining eliminator … and, hopefully, it may even be for the world title if Teofimo Lopez will get out of the best way,” Hearn mentioned. “Jack ought to already be an undisputed world champion. And there’s no higher means than to show that he has earned his place on the very prime by beating Arnold Barboza Jr in what’s a incredible battle.”
