Jack Catterall is poised for a world title shot next against WBO welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez after defeating former WBA/WBC 140-lb champion Regis Prograis on Saturday night in Manchester. Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) says he will fight Teofimo (21-1, 13 KOs) in Manchester or New York.
(Credit: Matthew Poor / Matchroom Boxing)
Teofimo’s immediate plans are unclear. He had promotional problems with Top Rank. Whether he stays or leaves the company, he could move to 147 in search of bigger fights. Catterall would not be what Teofimo would consider a well-paid fight.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn would also like to match a fight between Catterall and Teofimo, but admits the best option is to face the winner of the December 7 fight between IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins. Hearn promotes both fighters. So it should be easy to make a fight between the winner and Catterall.
“It’s Teofimo, but it’s an option for a fight. They’re talking about him at 147,” said Jack Catterall during the press conference after the fight when asked if he would like to challenge Teofimo Lopez for his WBO light welterweight title next.
“Look, we’d love that fight in Manchester or New York. So, who knows?” said Catterall.
Teofimo named Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney. These are the matchups he hopes to achieve. Catterall is not as popular as either of those men now, and may never be.
“We’re going to be ordered to fight Teofimo Lopez as well. I think it’s a great fight. Obviously, Paro-Hitchins is probably more realistic, and we’ll see what happens on December 7,” Eddie Hearn told the Stomping Grounds of wanting Teofimo for Catterall’s next fight.
“Jack Catterall needs that shot at the world title. He can be the best at 140 pounds. A fantastic fighter. In 11 months, he’s headed in Liverpool against Linares. In Leeds against Josh Taylor, and Prograis in Manchester.
Last updated on 10/26/2024
