The WBO has ordered a final title eliminator fight between #1 ranked Arnold Barboza Jr. and #2 Jack Catterall to decide a mandatory Challenger for 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez.
There’s no word yet whether Catterall’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, will agree to this fight with the unbeaten Barboza Jr. (31-0, 11 KOs).
It’s one more hurdle that Catterall must surpass to get another world title shot. He failed in his first attempt, losing to Josh Taylor by a 12-round split decision on February 26, 2022.
It would be a tough one for Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs), who is a pure boxer and hasn’t fought a skilled fighter on the level of Barboza Jr.
Catterall is coming off a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision win over former two-time light welterweight champion Regis Prograis on October 26th.
Jack, 31, has recent wins over these four fighters:
– Regis Prograis
– Josh Taylor
– Jorge Linares
– Darragh Foley
WBO World Championship Committee has ordered negotiations for the Barboza/Catterall Elimination Bout to determine Mandatory Challenger in the WBO 140 lbs division. @jrBarbozaArnold @jack_catt93 @WorldBoxingOrg. https://t.co/wfSmZn93xF
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) November 26, 2024