Exclusive: Jack Catterall Facing Tough Weight Call Ahead of World Title Push

Jack Catterall is facing a difficult decision about whether or not to stay at welterweight, as his camp explore ways of engineering the Chorley-based fighter another world title shot.

The 32-year-old recorded the 31st victory of his professional career when he was awarded a technical victory over Harlem Eubank last weekend.

Catterall, who lost a controversial points decision to the then undisputed champion Josh Taylor in February 2022, left the Manchester Arena clutching the IBF’s Inter-Continental belt after beating his rival from Brighton.

But the bout with the previously undefeated Eubank came only five months after Catterall narrowly lost a final eliminator for the WBO light welterweight belt – the division in which he has spent the overwhelming majority of his career.

Like promoter Eddie Hearn, Catterall’s manager Sam Jones believes his client now deserves another chance to win global honours.

But he told SportsBoom that it is still uncertain whether or not Catterall will remain at 147lbs or move back down to 140.

“We’ll have to see,” Jones said. “We’ll speak and see what’s best for Jack."

WORLD CLASS

“What is certain is that he’s shown himself to be a world class operator. That’s the level he belongs at."

“So we’ll be looking to get him another shot at a world title. That’s what we want next.”

“Jack has never shied away from anyone,” Jones added. 

“He didn’t want to get back in the ring and have a marking time fight or an eight-rounder. That tells you something about him."

“He showed his class in there and was clearly ahead. Now we’ll be looking to move on and deliver what he wants and should get.”

With Hearn immediately scotching talk of a rematch with Eubank – their bout went to the scorecards at the beginning of the seventh round following an accidental clash of heads – Catterall’s camp are expected to wait until the sanctioning bodies update their rankings before deciding on his next move.

Jaron Ennis, who is also signed to Hearn’s Matchroom stable, is the IBF’s current welterweight holder, with Catterall expected to be highly positioned when they review their standings.

HIGHLY REGARDED

He also remains highly regarded by the WBO at light-welterweight, having targeted Teofimo Lopez before losing to Arnold Barboza Jr in February. 

The American/Mexican then lost to Lopez in Times Square – a Riyadh Season card Catterall had been ready to step onto in the event of any late withdrawals.

Whatever he decides, Catterall is expected to be out of action for a considerable period of time given the nature of the cut he sustained against Eubank. 

Catterall later described feeling as if he had “a film” over his eye before being treated by doctors in the dressing room.

Jones said: “We’ll make sure that gets healed, which it will, and then have a chat and a conversation."

“Because of Jack’s calibre, there’s opportunities out there for him and we want to grab those."

“He deserves it, because he’s been at world level for a very long time. He’s shown that time and time again.”