A close decision, a high-level bout and a controversial finish. Arnold Barboza Jr. beat Jack Catterall by split decision in Manchester, taking the WBO interim super lightweight title. The fight, held on February 15, 2025 at the Co-op Arena, was a tactical battle in which neither man gave any ground. Catterall showed precision and accurate punching, while Barboza imposed his constant pressure and volume of punches. When the scorecards were announced-115-113 for Catterall, but 115-113 twice for Barboza-reactions were mixed. The result leaves open questions and puts Barboza on the path to a title fight.
Arnold Barboza Jr. Beats Jack Catterall
This fight was not defined by wild exchanges, but by tactics. Catterall found his distance with the straight left, but Barboza never stopped moving forward, connecting combinations and keeping the pressure on. Each round was even, with constant changes in the dominance of the fight.
One of the most controversial moments occurred in the tenth round, when Barboza fell to the ground. The Manchester crowd erupted, believing it was an official knockdown, but the referee ruled it a slip, a decision that could have influenced the final result.
Reactions and Barboza’s Future
After the victory, Barboza acknowledged the level of his opponent. “Catterall is a great fighter, but I did enough to win,” he said. Catterall, although upset by the decision, showed respect and congratulated his opponent.
With the interim title in his possession, Barboza is shaping up as the next challenger to WBO champion Teofimo Lopez. It remains to be seen if Lopez accepts the challenge, but the super lightweight division has gained even more excitement.
Barboza vs. Catterall lived up to expectations: it was tense, tactical and left doubts. For Barboza, the path to the championship is clearer. For Catterall, the quest for redemption is just beginning.
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