Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank each had their final say at today’s press conference ahead of Saturday night’s action at Manchester’s AO Arena, shown live worldwide on DAZN.
32-year-old Catterall (30-2, 13 KOs) is a former world title contender, who was agonisingly edged on points by American Arnold Barboza Jr. in his last fight in February.
Chris Eubank Jr.’s cousin, Harlem (21-0, 9 KOs), is an undefeated contender who is ranked WBO #14 and IBF #15, eager to show the world he belongs at the top table.
“El Gato” is just one year older than 31-year-old Harlem, yet possesses far greater experience having fought for the undisputed super-lightweight championship in 2022, which resulted in one of modern-day boxing’s most controversial results – most believed Catterall defeated the champion, Josh Taylor, that night in Glasgow.
Harlem Eubank beat shared opponent, Tyrone McKenna, in his last fight in March via 10th-round stoppage, eclipsing Catterall’s unanimous decision win from 2018.
He’s hungry and eager, and has finally got the chance he’s been waiting for to prove he belongs at world level, but he is taking the biggest step-up in his career so far.
Here’s what the welterweights had to say, along with promoter Eddie Hearn, two days before fight night:
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman: “Here at Matchroom Boxing we are dedicated to giving you the very best boxing content around the world. Something different from Matchroom today. Something different from the format of the press conference. The product remains the same.
“A domestic blockbuster this Saturday in Manchester at the AO Arena, live and exclusive on DAZN around the world. Two guys in very different positions in their career. That’s why I love this fight. Jack Catterall – we know the story, should have been undisputed World Champion. In fact, we expected him to be fighting Teofimo Lopez just a few months ago, until he lost to Barboza.
“All of a sudden up steps Harlem Eubank. 21-0, a guy that Kalle and the team at Wasserman have been building fantastically well. He rolls the dice at world level.”
Jack Catterall, former World Title challenger: “We could have come back and chosen a different route, but these are the fights that excite me, the domestic clashes, and this is what I am here for.
“Harlem is undefeated, talented, and he’s going to come with everything. A few years ago, I was in his position, waiting for that opportunity and chomping at the bit, so this is his opportunity, but I am here to prove I’ve still got it.”
Harlem Eubank, undefeated Welterweight contender: “I’m more than ready, Sam Jones said what he said but he’s got it wrong over and over again, and this will be another occasion to add to that list.
“I’ve been training behind the scenes for 11 years, working on the art form and I believe I’m ready to go in there and show the world what I am capable of up at world level.”
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