Catterall vs. Barboza Jr: Manchester Brawl for WBO Glory
On Saturday, February 15, Jack Catterall steps back into the Manchester spotlight to clash with the unbeaten Arnold Barboza Jr in a WBO Super-Lightweight Final Eliminator. The Co-op Live Arena will be buzzing, and DAZN’s got it live worldwide. Who’s ready for this war?
The Fighters
Jack Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs)
Catterall’s had a belter of a year. The Chorley lad dropped Regis Prograis twice in October, cruising to a decision win that landed him the WBO International title. Before that? He sorted his beef with Josh Taylor, avenging the only loss of his career in front of a packed Leeds crowd. Now, he’s got his sights on smashing Barboza and claiming what he reckons is his—another world title shot.
“I’m buzzing to fight in Manchester again. Barboza’s good, but I’m better. I’m smashing him to bits, and then I’m taking that WBO belt. Simple as that.”
Arnold Barboza Jr (31-0, 11 KOs)
California’s Barboza isn’t coming over to be a punching bag. The man’s unbeaten since turning pro in 2013 and is fresh off a points win over Jose Carlos Ramirez. Ranked #1 by the WBO, he’s got his eyes set on Teofimo Lopez and a potential all-American title fight. But first, he’ll need to silence a raucous Manchester crowd and handle the relentless Catterall.
“I respect Jack, but I didn’t come all this way to lose. I’ll show the world why I’m unbeaten. Let’s go!”
What’s at Stake?
This isn’t just a scrap; it’s a battle for a crack at the WBO Super-Lightweight title. And with Teofimo Lopez possibly vacating, the winner could even grab the belt outright. No pressure, eh?
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom’s big boss, laid it out:
“This is massive. It’s a Final Eliminator, and if Lopez moves up, it could be for the world title. Jack deserves his shot, and this fight is his chance to prove he’s the best at 140.”
Fight Details
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Time: Main Card: 2 PM ET / 7 PM UK
Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester
Stream: Live worldwide on DAZN
- Jack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza Jr., 12 rds, for vacant WBO interim junior welterweight title
- Zelfa Barrett vs. Jazza Dickens, 12 rds, junior lightweights
- Reece Bellotti vs. Michael Gomez Jr., 12 rds, for British and Commonwealth junior lightweight titles
- Pat McCormack vs. Robbie Davies Jr., 10 rds, welterweights
- William Crolla vs. Ayoub Zakari, 6 rds, junior middleweights
- Conner Tudsbury vs. Sadaam Moamed Da Silva Caetano, 6 rds, light heavyweights
- Aqib Diaz vs. Lydon Chircop, 6 rds, lightweights
- Alfie Middlemiss vs. Caine Singh, 4 rds, featherweights
Key Points
- Jack Catterall (UK): Coming off huge wins over Taylor and Prograis.
- Arnold Barboza Jr (USA): Unbeaten and hungry for his first world title shot.
- Stakes: Winner earns a shot at the WBO belt—or maybe even takes it straight away.
Ticket Information
- Prices: £40, £60, £100, £200, £350 (ringside)
- Pre-Sale: December 27 (Fight Pass & Co-op members, 10 AM)
- General Sale: December 28 (3 PM UK time) via Matchroom Boxing.
Breakdown
- Event: WBO Super-Lightweight Final Eliminator
- Location: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, UK
- Fighters: Jack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza Jr
- Date/Time: February 15, 2025 | 7 PM UK / 2 PM ET
- Stream: DAZN
- Tickets: Matchroom Boxing (from £40)
I don’t get why everyone thinks Catterall is going to win. Sure, he had some good fights, but Barboza is unbeaten and has been in the game longer. He’s not just going to roll over in Manchester! This fight will show if Catterall can really handle the pressure or if he’s just all talk.
Catterall’s confidence is commendable, but Barboza has consistently proven himself against tough opponents. Underestimating an unbeaten fighter like Barboza could lead to a shocking upset. Fans should expect a fiercely competitive bout rather than a one-sided affair.
Another hyped fight that will probably disappoint. Catterall talks a big game, but can he really handle an unbeaten fighter like Barboza? I’m not convinced this will live up to the expectations everyone seems to have.
While Catterall has had an impressive year, we mustn’t overlook Barboza’s unbeaten record and determination. This fight is about more than just hype; it’s about skill and resilience in the ring. Barboza could very well surprise everyone.
While Catterall has had impressive wins, Barboza’s unbeaten record cannot be overlooked. His experience and skillset give him an edge in this matchup. It’s premature to assume Catterall will simply dominate; this fight could go either way.
Catterall’s confidence might be misplaced. Yes, he’s had great wins, but Barboza has proven himself against tough opponents too. Underestimating Barboza could lead to a shocking upset that nobody sees coming.
Exactly! Catterall’s recent victories don’t guarantee success against an undefeated fighter like Barboza. The pressure of fighting in Manchester could also affect him negatively. This matchup is too close to call.
What an exciting matchup! Catterall’s recent victories have shown he’s a force to be reckoned with, and Barboza Jr. is no slouch either. I can’t wait to see how this battle unfolds in Manchester. Bring on the action!