Jack Catterall easily outpointed Jorge Linares and then called out Josh Taylor on Saturday in England.
This is Jack Catterall’s time, not Jorge Linares’.
Catterall outclassed the 38-year-old former three-division titleholder en route to winning a unanimous decision in a 12-round 140-pound fight Saturday in Liverpool, England, near Catterall’s hometown of Chorley.
The official scores were 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112.
Linares (47-9, 29 KOs) showed signs of the boxing prowess of his past but couldn’t keep pace with Catterall, who outworked him and landed a higher percentage of his punches.
Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs) landed 149 of 390 punches overall, Linares 82 of 312, according to CompuBox.
The 30-year-old winner lost a disputed split decision to then titleholder Josh Taylor in February of last year, which was followed by a one-sided decision over Darragh Foley this past May.
After his victory Saturday at Echo Arena, Catterall didn’t call out one of the four 140-pound beltholders. He wants to avenge his loss to his Scottish rival.
“[Josh] Taylor, where are you? S—house,” Catterall said when he was asked who he wanted to face next.
Added Eddie Hearn, Catterall’s promoter: “There’ll be no respect against Josh Taylor. For me, I want to see Jack Catterall vs. Josh Taylor in 2024.”
Jack Catterall easily outpointed Jorge Linares and then called out Josh Taylor on Saturday in England.
This is Jack Catterall’s time, not Jorge Linares’.
Catterall outclassed the 38-year-old former three-division titleholder en route to winning a unanimous decision in a 12-round 140-pound fight Saturday in Liverpool, England, near Catterall’s hometown of Chorley.
The official scores were 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112.
Linares (47-9, 29 KOs) showed signs of the boxing prowess of his past but couldn’t keep pace with Catterall, who outworked him and landed a higher percentage of his punches.
Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs) landed 149 of 390 punches overall, Linares 82 of 312, according to CompuBox.
The 30-year-old winner lost a disputed split decision to then titleholder Josh Taylor in February of last year, which was followed by a one-sided decision over Darragh Foley this past May.
After his victory Saturday at Echo Arena, Catterall didn’t call out one of the four 140-pound beltholders. He wants to avenge his loss to his Scottish rival.
“[Josh] Taylor, where are you? S—house,” Catterall said when he was asked who he wanted to face next.
Added Eddie Hearn, Catterall’s promoter: “There’ll be no respect against Josh Taylor. For me, I want to see Jack Catterall vs. Josh Taylor in 2024.”
Jack Catterall said he’s motivated by facing former three-division beltholder Jorge Linares on Saturday in England.
Jorge Linares is 38 and has lost three consecutive fights but his name carries weight.
That fact has served to add to the motivation of 140-pound contender Jack Catterall, who is scheduled to face Linares on Saturday at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England (DAZN).
Also, the former three-division titleholder from Venezuela has been a thorn in the U.K.’s side: He’s 4-0 against British fighters, with victories over Kevin Mitchell, Anthony Crolla (twice) and Luke Campbell.
“When I was given the name Linares it kicked me into action,” Catterall said at a news conference Thursday, per the BBC. “… He’s an exciting name. He’s been there, done that and got the T-shirt.”
He ended up putting Darragh Foley down twice and easily outpointing him on May 27, his most recent fight.
The 30-year-old from Northern England is ranked in the Top 7 by all four major sanctioning bodies, which means another title shot could come soon if he continues to win.
“I set out in this sport to be world champion,” he said. “We’ve not achieved that yet but I do believe it’s in my ability. … [Linares] has had his time in the sun, now it’s my time.”
Meanwhile, Linares (47-8, 29 KOs) said his reunion with trainer Ismael Salas pumped life into his training camp. He insists he isn’t finished.
“This is different time, different day, different opponent. I’m coming to fight an undefeated fighter,” he said. “For me, he’s a world champion and he never lost the fight to Taylor.”
He went on: “I’m feeling like 20 years old,” he said. “I come from three losses but I don’t care too much as a lot happened in my life, this is not new.”
Jack Catterall said he’s motivated by facing former three-division beltholder Jorge Linares on Saturday in England.
Jorge Linares is 38 and has lost three consecutive fights but his name carries weight.
That fact has served to add to the motivation of 140-pound contender Jack Catterall, who is scheduled to face Linares on Saturday at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England (DAZN).
Also, the former three-division titleholder from Venezuela has been a thorn in the U.K.’s side: He’s 4-0 against British fighters, with victories over Kevin Mitchell, Anthony Crolla (twice) and Luke Campbell.
“When I was given the name Linares it kicked me into action,” Catterall said at a news conference Thursday, per the BBC. “… He’s an exciting name. He’s been there, done that and got the T-shirt.”
He ended up putting Darragh Foley down twice and easily outpointing him on May 27, his most recent fight.
The 30-year-old from Northern England is ranked in the Top 7 by all four major sanctioning bodies, which means another title shot could come soon if he continues to win.
“I set out in this sport to be world champion,” he said. “We’ve not achieved that yet but I do believe it’s in my ability. … [Linares] has had his time in the sun, now it’s my time.”
Meanwhile, Linares (47-8, 29 KOs) said his reunion with trainer Ismael Salas pumped life into his training camp. He insists he isn’t finished.
“This is different time, different day, different opponent. I’m coming to fight an undefeated fighter,” he said. “For me, he’s a world champion and he never lost the fight to Taylor.”
He went on: “I’m feeling like 20 years old,” he said. “I come from three losses but I don’t care too much as a lot happened in my life, this is not new.”
Odds: Catterall 6½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Pound-for-pound: None
Also on the card: Peter McGrail vs. Fran Mendoza, junior featherweights; Shabaz Masoud vs. Jose Sanmartin, junior featherweights; Aqib Fiaz vs. Reece Bellotti, junior lightweights
Prediction: Catterall UD
Background: Catterall took his biggest step forward in a disputed split-decision loss to then-titleholder Josh Taylor in February of last year, after which a proposed rematch failed to materialize. He ended up putting Darragh Foley down twice and easily outpointing him on May 27, his most recent fight. The 30-year-old from Northern England is ranked in the Top 7 by all four major sanctioning bodies, which means another title shot is a realistic possibility if he continues to win. Linares, 38, is a former three-division world titleholder trying to remain relevant after three consecutive losses. He was competitive against 135-pound beltholder Devin Haney in May 2021 but was stopped by Zaur Abdullaev in a fight he was winning early last year and outpointed by Zhora Hamazaryan in December.
Odds: Catterall 6½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Pound-for-pound: None
Also on the card: Peter McGrail vs. Fran Mendoza, junior featherweights; Shabaz Masoud vs. Jose Sanmartin, junior featherweights; Aqib Fiaz vs. Reece Bellotti, junior lightweights
Prediction: Catterall UD
Background: Catterall took his biggest step forward in a disputed split-decision loss to then-titleholder Josh Taylor in February of last year, after which a proposed rematch failed to materialize. He ended up putting Darragh Foley down twice and easily outpointing him on May 27, his most recent fight. The 30-year-old from Northern England is ranked in the Top 7 by all four major sanctioning bodies, which means another title shot is a realistic possibility if he continues to win. Linares, 38, is a former three-division world titleholder trying to remain relevant after three consecutive losses. He was competitive against 135-pound beltholder Devin Haney in May 2021 but was stopped by Zaur Abdullaev in a fight he was winning early last year and outpointed by Zhora Hamazaryan in December.
Fight Week: 147-pound contender Alexis Rocha will face Giovani Santillan and Jack Catterall will return to action on a busy weekend.
FIGHT WEEK
Welterweight contender Alexis Rocha is scheduled to face Giovani Santillan in his toughest test in California. Meanwhile, in England, 140-pound contender Jack Catterall will return against Jorge Linares.
JACK CATTERALL (27-1, 13 KOs)
VS. JORGE LINARES (47-8, 29 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Odds: Catterall 6½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Pound-for-pound: None
Also on the card: Peter McGrail vs. Fran Mendoza, junior featherweights; Shabaz Masoud vs. Jose Sanmartin, junior featherweights; Aqib Fiaz vs. Reece Bellotti, junior lightweights
Prediction: Catterall UD
Background: Catterall took his biggest step forward in a disputed split-decision loss to then-titleholder Josh Taylor in February of last year, after which a proposed rematch failed to materialize. He ended up putting Darragh Foley down twice and easily outpointing him on May 27, his most recent fight. The 30-year-old from Northern England is ranked in the Top 7 by all four major sanctioning bodies, which means another title shot is a realistic possibility if he continues to win. Linares, 38, is a former three-division world titleholder trying to remain relevant after three consecutive losses. He was competitive against 135-pound beltholder Devin Haney in May 2021 but was stopped by Zaur Abdullaev in a fight he was winning early last year and outpointed by Zhora Hamazaryan in December.
JOSHUA BUATSI (17-0, 13 KOs)
VS. DAN AZEEZ (20-0, 13 KOs)
Joshua Buatsi (right) will face friend Dan Azeez on Saturday. Matthew Lewis / Getty Images
Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
Time: 3 p.m. ET / noon PT (main event later in show)
Where: O2 Arena, London
TV/Stream: Peacock
Division: Light heavyweight (175 pounds)
At stake: No major title
Odds: Buatsi 3-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Pound-for-pound: None
Also on the card: Mikael Lawal vs. Isaac Chamberlain, cruiserweights; Louis Greene vs. Sam Gilley, junior middleweights; Michael Hennessy vs. Harley Benn, junior middleweights
Prediction: Buatsi KO 9
Background: The winner of this fight reportedly will be the mandatory challenger to Dmitry Bivol’s WBA title. Buatsi, 30, is a talented 2016 Olympic bronze medalist who has remained perfect as a professional but has yet to face an elite opponent. The Ghana-born Londoner is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Pawel Stepien on May 6. Azeez is a friend and former stablemate of Buatsi. The 34-year-old from London also has built his record against second-tier opponents. He last fought on July 15, when he outpointed journeyman Khalid Graidia in an eight-rounder.
Odds: Rocha 4½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Pound-for-pound: None
Also on the card: John Ramirez vs. Ronal Batista, junior bantamweights; Joseph Diaz vs. Richard Medina, lightweights; Arely Mucino vs. Gabriela Fundora, flyweights (for Mucino’s IBF title); Ricardo Sandoval vs. Victor Sandoval, flyweights
Prediction: Rocha UD
Background: Rocha is closing in on his first title shot but must get past the unbeaten Santillan first. The 26-year-old from the Los Angeles area, ranked No. 1 by the WBO, has won seven consecutive fights since slick Rashidi Ellis defeated him by a unanimous decision in October 2020. He’s coming off a fifth-round knockout of solid Anthony Young on May 27. Santillan could be Rocha’s toughest test yet. The 31-year-old from San Diego last fought on July 22, when he defeated capable Erick Bone by a clear unanimous decision. This matchup also is a step up in opposition for Santillan. Terence Crawford holds all four major 147-pound titles.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY
Brandon Glanton vs. Carlos Fromenta Romero, cruiserweights, Plant City, Florida (ProBox TV)
Fight Week: 147-pound contender Alexis Rocha will face Giovani Santillan and Jack Catterall will return to action on a busy weekend.
FIGHT WEEK
Welterweight contender Alexis Rocha is scheduled to face Giovani Santillan in his toughest test in California. Meanwhile, in England, 140-pound contender Jack Catterall will return against Jorge Linares.
JACK CATTERALL (27-1, 13 KOs)
VS. JORGE LINARES (47-8, 29 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Odds: Catterall 6½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Pound-for-pound: None
Also on the card: Peter McGrail vs. Fran Mendoza, junior featherweights; Shabaz Masoud vs. Jose Sanmartin, junior featherweights; Aqib Fiaz vs. Reece Bellotti, junior lightweights
Prediction: Catterall UD
Background: Catterall took his biggest step forward in a disputed split-decision loss to then-titleholder Josh Taylor in February of last year, after which a proposed rematch failed to materialize. He ended up putting Darragh Foley down twice and easily outpointing him on May 27, his most recent fight. The 30-year-old from Northern England is ranked in the Top 7 by all four major sanctioning bodies, which means another title shot is a realistic possibility if he continues to win. Linares, 38, is a former three-division world titleholder trying to remain relevant after three consecutive losses. He was competitive against 135-pound beltholder Devin Haney in May 2021 but was stopped by Zaur Abdullaev in a fight he was winning early last year and outpointed by Zhora Hamazaryan in December.
JOSHUA BUATSI (17-0, 13 KOs)
VS. DAN AZEEZ (20-0, 13 KOs)
Joshua Buatsi (right) will face friend Dan Azeez on Saturday. Matthew Lewis / Getty Images
Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
Time: 3 p.m. ET / noon PT (main event later in show)
Where: O2 Arena, London
TV/Stream: Peacock
Division: Light heavyweight (175 pounds)
At stake: No major title
Odds: Buatsi 3-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Pound-for-pound: None
Also on the card: Mikael Lawal vs. Isaac Chamberlain, cruiserweights; Louis Greene vs. Sam Gilley, junior middleweights; Michael Hennessy vs. Harley Benn, junior middleweights
Prediction: Buatsi KO 9
Background: The winner of this fight reportedly will be the mandatory challenger to Dmitry Bivol’s WBA title. Buatsi, 30, is a talented 2016 Olympic bronze medalist who has remained perfect as a professional but has yet to face an elite opponent. The Ghana-born Londoner is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Pawel Stepien on May 6. Azeez is a friend and former stablemate of Buatsi. The 34-year-old from London also has built his record against second-tier opponents. He last fought on July 15, when he outpointed journeyman Khalid Graidia in an eight-rounder.
Odds: Rocha 4½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Pound-for-pound: None
Also on the card: John Ramirez vs. Ronal Batista, junior bantamweights; Joseph Diaz vs. Richard Medina, lightweights; Arely Mucino vs. Gabriela Fundora, flyweights (for Mucino’s IBF title); Ricardo Sandoval vs. Victor Sandoval, flyweights
Prediction: Rocha UD
Background: Rocha is closing in on his first title shot but must get past the unbeaten Santillan first. The 26-year-old from the Los Angeles area, ranked No. 1 by the WBO, has won seven consecutive fights since slick Rashidi Ellis defeated him by a unanimous decision in October 2020. He’s coming off a fifth-round knockout of solid Anthony Young on May 27. Santillan could be Rocha’s toughest test yet. The 31-year-old from San Diego last fought on July 22, when he defeated capable Erick Bone by a clear unanimous decision. This matchup also is a step up in opposition for Santillan. Terence Crawford holds all four major 147-pound titles.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY
Brandon Glanton vs. Carlos Fromenta Romero, cruiserweights, Plant City, Florida (ProBox TV)
Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez will be trying to recapture lost glory when they meet on Saturday in New York City.
Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez will both be seeking redemption on Saturday in New York City.
Taylor was the undisputed 140-pound champion and a blossoming star when he fell flat against Jack Catterall in February of last year in Taylor’s home country of Scotland, winning a split decision that many believe Catterall deserved.
Lopez shook up the boxing world by upsetting 135-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko in October 2020 only to lose a decision, his titles and all of his momentum to George Kambosos Jr. a year later in Australia.
One of them will take a significant step toward regaining whatever respect they lost when they meet for Taylor’s WBO junior welterweight belt at Madison Square Garden Theater (ESPN, ESPN+). The other will be in trouble.
They’re confident. Taylor could’ve been speaking for both of them when he told TalkSport, “I feel like I’ve found myself again. I feel brilliant and everything has gone to plan, I’ve got a spring in my step.”
Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) had climbed onto many pound-for-pound lists after an impressive run between 2017 and 2021, highlighted by victories over unbeaten foes Ivan Baranchyk, Regis Prograis and Jose Ramirez that made him undisputed champion.
Then came the relatively weak performance against fellow southpaw Catterall, a solid all-around fighter but a significant underdog.
Catterall scored consistently with a sharp jab and straight left even if he never hurt the champion. And he did a good job of clinching when the more-aggressive Taylor got inside, further frustrating him.
Taylor went down from two overhand lefts in Round 8, which stunned the local fans and gave the challenger considerable momentum. An upset seemed to be brewing.
However, Taylor fought with more urgency from then on and had some of his strongest rounds down the stretch. That rally allowed him to pull ahead on two cards and eke out a 114-111, 113-112 and 112-113 decision.
Taylor said immediately afterward that the pressure of fighting at home for the first time in almost three years got to him.
“I put a hell of a lot of pressure on myself being the heavy favorite and it showed in the first half of the fight. But once I got my rhythm, I started catching him with the bigger shots.
“It wasn’t my best performance but I believe 100 percent I got the win.”
Taylor had to cope with more issues than just his homecoming, though. He had difficulty making weight, which raises questions going into the fight this Saturday. He also had a bout with COVID and was nursing a leg injury.
All that combined with a gritty performance by Catterall was a perfect storm that almost resulted in his first setback.
Taylor said fans can expect to see the old, dominating champion against Lopez under new trainer Joe McNally.
“I’ve got … my mojo back,” he told Sky Sports. “I feel like I’ve got it back. I just feel like I’m back to my old chirpy self, the way I was before in the lead up to the [Regis] Prograis fight.
“I feel I’m back to that kind of mentality, that sort of form as well.”
Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs) is tough to figure out.
The Brooklyn native looked like he was on his way to becoming a superstar when he upset pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko at 23 to become the undisputed 135-pound champ in October 2020 in “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Then he crashed as quickly as he ascended, getting outpointed by George Kambosos Jr. in November 2021.
We learned afterward that Lopez fought with a dangerous condition in which air surrounded his chest wall and heart. Doctors suggested he could’ve died. He was also dealing with emotional issues that became so overwhelming that he considered suicide.
Lopez rebounded from his hell to win his next two fights, a knockout of Pedro Campa last August and a split decision over a survival-minded Sandor Martin in December.
Still, fans wonder whether he can regain the form that allowed him to take down a legend in Lomachenko. He insists he’s in a good place emotionally after getting out of a bad marriage.
“I’m at peace, man,” Lopez told Punsh Drunk Boxing. “I don’t have a parasite sucking me dry going home. I think that’s what it was, man. People was on the run for their money now. For five years I was dealing with that. I had to learn along that way. God made me go through life. Made me go through the cycle of it. Still have my soul, still have my mind, still have my body here with me.
“Yeah, man, I’m in a great state, very great state, man.”
We’ll see on Saturday where the bodies and minds of the fighters are.
Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez will be trying to recapture lost glory when they meet on Saturday in New York City.
Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez will both be seeking redemption on Saturday in New York City.
Taylor was the undisputed 140-pound champion and a blossoming star when he fell flat against Jack Catterall in February of last year in Taylor’s home country of Scotland, winning a split decision that many believe Catterall deserved.
Lopez shook up the boxing world by upsetting 135-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko in October 2020 only to lose a decision, his titles and all of his momentum to George Kambosos Jr. a year later in Australia.
One of them will take a significant step toward regaining whatever respect they lost when they meet for Taylor’s WBO junior welterweight belt at Madison Square Garden Theater (ESPN, ESPN+). The other will be in trouble.
They’re confident. Taylor could’ve been speaking for both of them when he told TalkSport, “I feel like I’ve found myself again. I feel brilliant and everything has gone to plan, I’ve got a spring in my step.”
Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) had climbed onto many pound-for-pound lists after an impressive run between 2017 and 2021, highlighted by victories over unbeaten foes Ivan Baranchyk, Regis Prograis and Jose Ramirez that made him undisputed champion.
Then came the relatively weak performance against fellow southpaw Catterall, a solid all-around fighter but a significant underdog.
Catterall scored consistently with a sharp jab and straight left even if he never hurt the champion. And he did a good job of clinching when the more-aggressive Taylor got inside, further frustrating him.
Taylor went down from two overhand lefts in Round 8, which stunned the local fans and gave the challenger considerable momentum. An upset seemed to be brewing.
However, Taylor fought with more urgency from then on and had some of his strongest rounds down the stretch. That rally allowed him to pull ahead on two cards and eke out a 114-111, 113-112 and 112-113 decision.
Taylor said immediately afterward that the pressure of fighting at home for the first time in almost three years got to him.
“I put a hell of a lot of pressure on myself being the heavy favorite and it showed in the first half of the fight. But once I got my rhythm, I started catching him with the bigger shots.
“It wasn’t my best performance but I believe 100 percent I got the win.”
Taylor had to cope with more issues than just his homecoming, though. He had difficulty making weight, which raises questions going into the fight this Saturday. He also had a bout with COVID and was nursing a leg injury.
All that combined with a gritty performance by Catterall was a perfect storm that almost resulted in his first setback.
Taylor said fans can expect to see the old, dominating champion against Lopez under new trainer Joe McNally.
“I’ve got … my mojo back,” he told Sky Sports. “I feel like I’ve got it back. I just feel like I’m back to my old chirpy self, the way I was before in the lead up to the [Regis] Prograis fight.
“I feel I’m back to that kind of mentality, that sort of form as well.”
Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs) is tough to figure out.
The Brooklyn native looked like he was on his way to becoming a superstar when he upset pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko at 23 to become the undisputed 135-pound champ in October 2020 in “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Then he crashed as quickly as he ascended, getting outpointed by George Kambosos Jr. in November 2021.
We learned afterward that Lopez fought with a dangerous condition in which air surrounded his chest wall and heart. Doctors suggested he could’ve died. He was also dealing with emotional issues that became so overwhelming that he considered suicide.
Lopez rebounded from his hell to win his next two fights, a knockout of Pedro Campa last August and a split decision over a survival-minded Sandor Martin in December.
Still, fans wonder whether he can regain the form that allowed him to take down a legend in Lomachenko. He insists he’s in a good place emotionally after getting out of a bad marriage.
“I’m at peace, man,” Lopez told Punsh Drunk Boxing. “I don’t have a parasite sucking me dry going home. I think that’s what it was, man. People was on the run for their money now. For five years I was dealing with that. I had to learn along that way. God made me go through life. Made me go through the cycle of it. Still have my soul, still have my mind, still have my body here with me.
“Yeah, man, I’m in a great state, very great state, man.”
We’ll see on Saturday where the bodies and minds of the fighters are.
