Chamberlain remains on top. He backs Lawal up momentarily, but the champion turns away from danger.

It really is a slow start from Lawal. He's given these two rounds to Chamberlain, clearly happy to bide his time until an opening presents itself.

We know Chamberlain can go deep if he needs to, while Lawal is looking to add to the 11 stoppages he has so far in his career.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

What a finish [to the round] from Catterall and that shows what a fighter he is. He's mild-mannered and boxed beautifully all-round.

He saw half an opening and pounced on him like a mini Mike Tyson.

Catterall dangles out the right hand, flicking it into the face of Linares as he tries to tempt him into action.

Linares bites. He steps to the outside and fully commits to a swinging overhand right. Catterall reads it and steps away.

Great shot from Catterall, Linares stumbles back and steadies himself on the ropes. Catterall goes on the attack but it's scrappy and Linares hangs on for the bell.

Start of the end?

Image source, Matchroom

Anthony Crolla
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's a very high level game of chess and the younger man is just coming through that round. He's looking a little more settled.

Chamberlain is taking advantage of a passive start from Lawal. The defending champion opts to hang back from exchanges while Chamberlain tries to walk him down.

Nothing much in the first round but a warning from Chamberlain's corner, who tell him: 'All he's trying to do is walk you into your right hand, that's all he's trying to do'.

Over in Lawal's corner they tell him to watch Chamberlain for two rounds and not fire off the right hand just yet.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It's smart and very clever from Catterall. I hate to say this but it looks like Catterall might be enjoying himself in there.

Great counter right hook lands from Catterall, possibly the best timed shot of the fight.

Linares comes back with intent and forces Catterall on to the ropes but the Brit slips away.

Second round aside, Catterall will be pleased with how this is starting to play out.

He seems to have the measure of Linares... famous last words.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Very smart boxing from Catterall. Linares isn't getting desperate but he's starting to let his hands go and is missing with a few shots.

Catterall is picking his shots beautifully. He's just started to find his rhythm and find the distance that round.

Linares starts to get a little agitated at the lack of success so far and chases Catterall but struggles to land.

Catterall lands a left over the guard of Linares and then follows with a shot to the body.

If fireworks were expected then the fuse is yet to be lit just yet.

Image source, Matchroom

Over in London, Isaac Chamberlain and Mikael Lawal are making their ringwalks.

Dressed in gold and black Chamberlain, the challenger, walks first and smiles all the way.

Defending British cruiserweight champion Lawal decides against gold, and is instead dressed in white and green.

We're about to get underway. Will keep you all updated.

Image source, Boxxer

Anthony Crolla
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

This is very nip and tuck, there's no room for error from either fighter. The cut [on Linares] doesn't look in a great place.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It was a good start from Catterall but Linares looks sharp, and when he hit Catterall with those two shots and Catterall stumbled... that was a quality move.

I think if we talked to Jack right now he'll probably say "he's a little bit sharper and a little bit faster than we perhaps expected".

I'm not liking the way Catterall keeps leaning in to throw his left, he's stooping forward and leaving his head wide open.

Linares spots that and lands a good counter.

A clash of heads and that has left a cut above the eye of Linares.

Still pretty tentative stuff for the most part. Hopefully, the pace with pick up as we go.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

First of all it's as cagey as I expected it to be and Linares is as sharp as I expected him to be.

A couple of decent shots from each fighter - Linares with a looping right and Catterall finding a home with a left hook.

Linares is managing the distance well, stepping back to evade Catterall's attacks and leaving the Brit looking a little vulnerable.

Strong end to the round for the Venezuelan as he steps in with a combination.

Image source, Matchroom

If you didn't know, "the time has come!"

Well, that's what ring announcer David Diamante has just told us.

Diamante then kindly takes us through the respective records of Jack Catterall and Jorge Linares.

Strangely, the mention that Catterall is from Chorley gets the biggest pop of the night.

And with the sound of the bell... off we go.

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool

There's a fella who repeatedly kept shouting "Jack, I love you" as the Chorley man entered the ring. Catterall just smiled awkwardly.

Anthony Crolla
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

I know [Linares] a bit too well. Listen, there's no denying his best years are behind him, however, I spoke to him last week and he's in fantastic shape and he reckons the last few fights the motivation hasn't been there, but for this fight it certainly is.