Arnold Barboza vs. Jack Catterall: Who’s the Next Challenger for Teofimo Lopez’s 140lb Title?
The 140-pound division is heating up, with Arnold Barboza and Jack Catterall on track to fight for a chance at Teofimo Lopez’s WBO title. The WBO has officially ordered both teams to begin negotiations, giving them just 20 days to reach a deal. If the two sides can’t agree, the WBO will call for a purse bid, making the fight even more intense. Here’s everything you need to know about this high-stakes showdown.
Barboza and Catterall: Two Undefeated Fighters with Everything on the Line
Arnold Barboza, from California, is still undefeated with a 31-0 record, including 11 knockouts. His most recent win came against Jose Ramirez in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a 10-round fight that wasn’t the most exciting, but Barboza still came out on top. Despite a somewhat lackluster performance, Barboza remains No. 1 in the WBO rankings, making him one of the top contenders for Teofimo Lopez’s title.
On the other side, Jack Catterall, a southpaw from the UK, is looking to capitalize on his incredible run in 2024. With a 30-1 record and 13 knockouts, Catterall has made a name for himself, taking down Josh Taylor in May and Regis Prograis in October. His victories have placed him No. 2 in the WBO rankings, and he’s hungry for a shot at the title.
Social Media Drama Adds Fuel to the Fire
The tension between Barboza and Catterall is escalating, with both fighters trading barbs on social media. Barboza fired back at Catterall, saying, “I know you want the top 10 only as well. We can get it on. Tell Eddie to call Oscar.” Not backing down, Catterall responded, “I know Frank Smith is talking to Eric Gomez. Let’s see if you accept.”
This social media rivalry is only building more anticipation for the fight. Whether Barboza and Catterall reach an agreement or the WBO forces a purse bid, this 140-pound title eliminator promises to be a battle worth watching. Both fighters have a lot to prove, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Stay tuned—this fight is one fans won’t want to miss!