Introduction to the Big Fight
Boxing expert Chris Oliver gives his verdict on Saturday’s big fight between Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank in Manchester. Things can change very quickly in boxing – just ask Jack Catterall. After marquee victories over former undisputed king Josh Taylor and then ex-champion Regis Prograis, Catterall was one fight away from a big title shot but lost a tight decision to Arnold Barboza Jr in February. Now, the Chorley southpaw finds himself very much at the back of the queue again.
The Path to Redemption
On Saturday, he bids to get back on track against Harlem Eubank, who has a perfect 21-fight record (nine wins early) and can catapult himself into the big time with a victory this weekend. Catterall has home advantage at the Manchester Arena and rightly so, given he has achieved by far the most of these two. The boxing world was in uproar when he didn’t get the decision he deserved against Taylor first time around when fighting for all the marbles at 140lb. Catterall won a barnstorming rematch in style and dropped Prograis en route to another decision victory.
Fresh Start for Classy Catterall
He should have got his shot then but faced one more eliminator versus Barboza and had an off night. There was little between them in a forgettable contest, but Catterall let the opportunity slip through his fingers by being far too passive and must have been kicking himself after that defeat in a very winnable fight. It’s a fresh start for him up at 147lb here, with a big performance getting him right back into the title mix and he is 4/11 to return to winning ways.
The Underdog’s Chance
Both men are 31, but Eubank’s career has been much more of a slow burner, and he finally gets the opportunity for a breakthrough success. The nephew of Chris Eubank Snr and the cousin of Chris Eubank Jr, he is the lesser known of the famous fighting family from Brighton and has waited a long time for this chance to shine. He won’t be put off by his odds of 13/5, especially after producing a career-best performance last time out when dropping Tyrone McKenna three times on his way to a 10th round stoppage in March. Admittedly, it wasn’t the same version of McKenna who was outpointed by Catterall in 2018, but Eubank boxed well that night and looks as ready for this opportunity as he will ever be.
Eubank’s Fighting Style
With good feet and fast hands, Eubank uses plenty of feints and head movement, while also changing the levels of his attacks well. He can be explosive when launching his attacks, while the upward trajectory of his career makes it interesting after Catterall’s below-par performance last time out. Was it a blip or is the favourite on the decline? Catterall’s defeat to Barboza hasn’t worked out too well, with the latter easily beaten by the top-class Teofimo Lopez since, but this is a huge step up in class for Eubank and the difference in quality should be apparent.
Best Bets for the Fight
Always working behind a strong and effective jab, Catterall is a smart fighter who controls the distance very well and shows great patience, which regularly pays off as he makes his opponents walk on to hard counters. We have seen how hard Catterall is to nail cleanly behind his shoulder roll defence, and finding the target could be an issue for the underdog. Catterall can’t be as passive as he was against Barboza but that may have been a wake-up call, and I expect him to stamp his authority on this contest to show he is a level above Eubank.
Other Fights to Watch
Former super featherweight champion Joe Cordina makes his long-awaited comeback at lightweight against Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz, who shouldn’t be on the same level as Cordina, while the exciting Pat Brown should make it three stoppage wins from three when he continues his apprenticeship against Lewis Oakford.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fight between Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank is an exciting matchup that could have significant implications for the boxing world. Catterall’s experience and skill make him a strong favourite, but Eubank’s determination and fighting style could make for a interesting contest. With Catterall’s last eight fights going the distance, a unanimous decision in his favour seems like a solid bet. However, it’s essential to remember that in boxing, anything can happen, and upsets are always possible. As with any sport, it’s crucial to gamble responsibly and within your means.
