Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jr. will meet in a WBO semi-welterweight eliminator. Catterall vs. Barboza takes place on February 15 in Manchester.
Mandatory duel for a title shot: Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jr. will meet on February 15, 2025 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester to determine the next mandatory challenger for the WBO World Light Welterweight title. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN.
The announcement follows an agreement between promoters Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing) and Oscar De La Hoya (Golden Boy), who finalized their negotiations ahead of the World Heavyweight Championship between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury at a meeting in Saudi Arabia. Originally, the WBO had already scheduled the duel in November.
Catterall vs. Barboza offers more possibilities
The winner of this fight Catterall vs. Barboza could fight directly for the WBO title if reigning champion Teofimo Lopez moves up to welterweight. The fight could also be considered an IBF eliminator, as Catterall and Barboza are the highest-ranked fighters in the federation.
Catterall’s road to a comeback
Jack Catterall (30-1, 13 knockouts), a 31-year-old southpaw from England, has bounced back with two impressive wins at the elite level. In May he defeated Josh Taylor to avenge a controversial defeat in 2022 and in October he dominated two-time former world champion Regis Prograis.
“I’m looking forward to fighting in Manchester again,” said Catterall. “I’m not taking Barboza lightly, but I’m ready to smash him to pieces and back up my claim to the WBO world title.”
Catterall vs. Barboza a 50:50 duel
The 32-year-old American from Los Angeles, Arnold Barboza Jr. (31-0, 11 knockouts), defeated former world champion Jose Ramirez in November. Despite his unbeaten record, Barboza had to wait a long time for a title shot. “I’m looking forward to proving my skills internationally and helping my team succeed,” he said.
Golden Boy boss De La Hoya praised Barboza: “Arnold deserves this moment. It will be a great fight against a strong opponent like Jack Catterall. It’s a 50-50 duel.”
Text: Andreas Ohlberger