Harlem Eubank doesn`t consider his upcoming bout a major step up in competition.
He is scheduled to face former super-lightweight world title challenger Jack Catterall this Saturday night at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Catterall`s last outing at welterweight (147lbs) was over a decade ago in just his fifth professional fight, a second-round knockout of Tom Price. At that time, Eubank`s pro debut was still four years away. Now, in July 2025, various factors and challenges have led to this significant main event clash.
For Catterall`s fans, this bout might be seen as a step down following his loss to Arnold Barboza Jr in February. That fight was for the WBO interim super-lightweight title, with the winner set to challenge Teofimo Lopez. Barboza went on to face Lopez in May in New York, where he was ultimately defeated by the reigning champion.
Eubank, meanwhile, has built his career more gradually over eight years, compiling 21 fights. The 31-year-old feels his recent victories against Nurali Erdogan, Timo Schwarzkopf, and Tyrone McKenna demonstrate his readiness for high-profile contests. He doesn`t view the fight against Catterall as a massive leap forward.
In my last three fights I`ve had two stoppages and one points victory.
I`ve dealt with inactivity and stopped fighters like Timo Schwarzkopf – described as a two-time former European champion. From my perspective, it`s not a significant leap. Jack is clearly world-class, but I`m the only one who stopped Schwarzkopf, who has competed at European and near world level. So, I don`t see it as a huge step up. I`ve faced opponents that have prepared me for this kind of test. I don`t think it`s a leap, I think it`s another step towards becoming world champion and I think it`s the right step at the right time.
Regardless of perspective, an Eubank victory over Catterall would be considered an upset. This fight marks Chris Jr`s cousin`s first foray into genuine world-class competition. However, the only person not expecting an upset is Eubank himself, who enters the fight as the underdog. This bout will be broadcast live on DAZN, a departure from the Channel 5 platform he previously featured on, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing. The idea of fighting Catterall hasn`t just emerged; Eubank has been targeting this matchup since the previous year.
When asked about his motivation to face the southpaw from Chorley, Eubank responded,
He`s seen as the top guy, and I believe I am the top guy. To prove you`re the best, you have to defeat the best. That`s precisely what we`re aiming for. We`re not looking to call out a retired champion who`s been inactive for years. We`re here to be the best in the sport, and by beating Jack, I will eliminate any doubt about my potential to become a world champion. I`ll be right on the doorstep.
Eubank mentioned experiencing frustration due to a lack of major opportunities previously. Like many seasoned professionals, he understands the “process” and the standard terminology of boxing. The Brighton native embodies the concept of a fighter`s “journey.” Early in his career, his famous surname, uncle, and cousin were notable points, but now, one victory could fundamentally alter his trajectory.
Eubank (R) can change his career by beating Catterall (L).
This is part of the process of becoming a world-class fighter. It involves working hard away from the spotlight, anticipating an opportunity, and then seizing it by performing when it arrives. I`ve done this at every stage, including the European level, and now I`m stepping up to do it at the world level.
He added,
Following this fight, I`ll be in a prime position to challenge top fighters in America and the world champions. This puts me directly in line to face the sport`s elite. Although there`s no title at stake, everyone recognizes Jack as the top domestic fighter in this division. If I defeat him, I`ll claim that spot.
The previous weekend, Bradley Rea became European light-heavyweight champion by defeating the significantly taller Shakan Pitters (6ft 6ins). Rea (5ft 8ins) and his corner sought sparring partners mirroring Pitters` size and style. Fortunately, Eubank faces an opponent, Catterall (5ft 7ins), who is slightly shorter than himself (5ft 8ins). However, finding a sparring partner to truly imitate Catterall`s style is challenging. His description – crafty, awkward, quick with sharp reflexes – might seem straightforward, but few high-level boxers operate with his specific approach.
“Jack possesses a diverse skill set,” Eubank noted regarding Catterall.
He certainly has preferred tactics evident during fights. He`s a versatile boxer, not limited to one strategy. For this preparation, we brought in various sparring partners capable of replicating many aspects of Jack`s game and presenting different styles he might employ. It`s simply about preparing for all his strengths, and we`ve accomplished that.
Catterall famously took former undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor the distance in February 2022 in Glasgow, a fight many believe Catterall should have won. He avenged that controversial decision last year in Leeds. However, in his most recent outing, he was defeated by Arnold Barboza Jr. Supporters had anticipated Catterall continuing his winning streak against the Californian and securing a title shot against Lopez. While that opportunity didn`t materialize, a peak Catterall presents a difficult challenge that, arguably, only Barboza has truly overcome.
From an entertainment perspective, Catterall might not be the most exciting fighter to watch, yet his technical skill is undeniable. While some label him “boring,” others commend his “effectiveness.” Eubank was asked if he felt the criticism directed at Catterall was justified.
The sole objective is to step in there and win. It`s not about what he does or what others outside the ring are saying. The aim is to enter and emerge victorious. That`s the only objective. In boxing, nothing else truly matters. Nobody pays attention to fighters who boast about being exciting but end up losing. The goal is to triumph by any means necessary. He has achieved this many times, demonstrating his capabilities in the sport, and now it`s my turn to prove myself.
The May 2 Ring Magazine event in Times Square highlighted the focus solely on securing a victory. Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and Rolando Romero all achieved wins against Arnold Barboza, Jose Carlos Ramirez, and Ryan Garcia, respectively. The Times Square venue itself was lively and memorable as a unique boxing location, but the fights within the ring were, unfortunately, quickly forgotten.
Although not specifically referencing that event, Turki Alalshikh recently voiced his desire to eliminate “Tom and Jerry” style fights, where one boxer avoids engagement. The influential figure in boxing stated on X last month,
From this point on, I don’t want to see any more Tom and Jerry-type boxing matches where one fighter is running around the ring and the other is chasing him. We can no longer support these kind of fights with Riyadh Season and The Ring. We want to support fighters who leave it all in the ring and fight with heart and pride.
Eubank understands Alalshikh`s preference for entertaining fights, given his significant influence in the sport.
However, you cannot dismiss a boxer`s skill based on the style they employ to win. But Turki is funding these events and has preferences, so he is entitled to express them. Nevertheless, the essence of boxing as a sport doesn`t solely depend on that. Boxing exists as a sport in its own right.
