Catterall said the WBA title opportunity arrived unexpectedly but believes he is finally stronger after leaving 140 pounds behind
Jack Catterall says his upcoming fight with Shakhram Giyasov came together faster than expected, but believes the move to welterweight has already improved him physically. Catterall said years of difficult cuts at 140 pounds left him depleted before finally settling into the division at 147.
“This fight can have come out of the blue, really. But what an opportunity for just one focus to get this title. Camp’s been good. Good sparring, good work in the gym, strength, track, everything. We puzzled it together good,” said Catterall to Matchroom Boxing, discussing his call to fight Shakhram Giyasov on the May 23rd card.
“It’s a little over a week and a half now before we fly over to Egypt. This is a big opportunity for me in the WBA regular world title. Very grateful for the opportunity, but also super confident going out there and securing it.”
Catterall and Giyasov will fight for the vacant WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title this Saturday at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven card.
Catterall also admitted he did not know much about Giyasov before the fight was finalized, but says his team has spent time studying the unbeaten Uzbek contender during camp.
“Shaka [Shakhram], unfortunately, has fought six southpaws. So there’s plenty of footage of him fighting southpaws,” said Catterall. “I wasn’t overly aware of him up until the fight was announced, but we’ve had time now to go away, watch, and work on what we need to do.”
The former light welterweight contender believes the extra time at welterweight has helped him physically after years of difficult weight cuts at 140.
“I’ve had time now. It’s been coming up for a year, so I’ve had time to go into it and do things right. Be strong at the weight,” said Catterall.
