Catterall's world title dream upset by Barboza Jr

Jack Catterall (left) suffered a second pro loss in a 13-year career

Jack Catterall suffered an agonising split-decision points defeat by Arnold Barboza Jr in Manchester, dealing a major blow to the British light-welterweight's world title ambitions.

Unbeaten American Barboza edged a tight contest to win the WBO 'interim' belt, with several rounds difficult to score and neither man stamping their authority at the Co-op Live Arena.

Catterall, 31, was at times outworking and outmanoeuvring his 33-year-old opponent, landing smart counter punches, but Barboza ended the rounds strongly, with crisp and well-timed power shots.

Two judges scored the bout 115-113 to Barboza, while the third had the same outcome for the home favourite.

Chorley's Catterall lost for the second time in his 33-fight career, with the only other blemish a controversial split-decision points defeat by Josh Taylor in 2022, which he avenged last year.

WBO world champion Teofimo Lopez now has 180 days to defend against Barboza, who could be elevated to the position as title holder if his compatriot decides to pursue a different opponent.

"Tricky fight, close fight, there are no arguments and congratulations to Barboza. I thought I just did enough but no excuses," said Catterall.

Decision too close to call in cagey affair

Europe's largest indoor arena – with a capacity of 23,500 - was around a third full as a boisterous crowd repeatedly chanted 'Chorley' to welcome Lancastrian Catterall to the ring.

Quite fittingly, he made his entrance to the song 'I just can't wait to be king' from the Lion King.

Catterall, who started boxing aged 11 and turned pro in 2012, is a reserved family man, yet there has been a swagger and spring in his step throughout fight week.

Barboza, though, had won all 31 of his pro fights and arrived in the UK full of confidence on the back of a career-best win over Jose Ramirez in November.

Neither fighter was willing to overcommit early on and Catterall edged the first two rounds with the cleaner work. The Californian responded well, cutting off the ring and landing jabs and good body shots.

A terrific counter-puncher, southpaw Catterall's approach, while appreciated by purists, does not always lend to the most entertaining of styles.

He landed a great two-punch combination in the sixth round, before his rival returned the favour with a flush right.

Catterall was warned for a low blow in the seventh and, as the round drew to a close, his legs dipped after a right from Barboza.

The Catterall faithful turned the volume up a notch when the American hit the canvas in the 11th. He instantly shot up to his feet and protested a slip, with replays showing he fell over Catterall's trailing leg as a jab landed.

Barboza and Catterall both celebrated at the final bell as pundits and ringside reporters shrugged their shoulders and compared contrasting scorecards with the decision too close to call.

'Straight back to the gym for me'

A frustrated Catterall was consoled by trainer Jamie Moore

The loss was disappointing for Catterall, who was enjoying a golden period in his career. In the past 15 months, he had beaten former champions Taylor, Jorge Linares and Regis Prograis.

But he came up against an undefeated foe who was motivated by his own pursuit for world honours.

"I want to see him go and fight for the world title, hopefully he beats Teofimo," added Catterall. "It's straight back to the gym for me."

Catterall missed out on becoming England's first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he lost to Taylor three years ago in Glasgow. Most ringside observers felt he should have been awarded the decision against the Scot.

If he does not ever win a world title, that loss – and the injustice of it – may unfortunately be what 'El Gato' will be most remembered for.