Jack Catterall W7 Harlem Eubank... In an all-British clash, southpaw Jack Catterall made a wining but damaging move up to welterweight with a technical decision victory over Harlem Eubank at the AO Arena in Manchester. The bout was halted in the seventh round following a clash of heads that left both fighters bloodied and prompted referee Bob Williams to consult the ringside officials. The contest went to the scorecards, where Catterall emerged as the winner. The fight marked Catterall’s (31-1, 13 KOs) debut at welterweight, just months after a hard-fought loss to Arnold Barboza Jr. at 140 pounds. Eubank (21-1, 9 KOs) struggled to impose his unorthodox style against the more seasoned former British champion.

 

In response to criticism that his performance wasn't aggressive enough, Caterall tweeted: "Listen, to be a boxer you have to accept any criticism. I won last night but not how I wanted to win so I’ll let the cut heal and I’ll be back in the gym to keep improving. But make no mistake I will fight absolutely anyone."

 

From the opening bell, Eubank tried to disrupt Catterall’s rhythm with feints and footwork, but the Chorley native calmly countered with sharp, accurate shots that gradually took control of the fight. Eubank focused on body work early, but repeatedly left himself open to Catterall’s crisp left hand, which found its target throughout the contest. Both fighters hit the canvas due to tangles in the third and sixth rounds before the accidental headbutt caused serious cuts—one over Catterall’s right eyebrow and another above Eubank’s left.