A razor-thin decision, a high-stakes clash, and a bitterly contested finish—Arnold Barboza Jr. edges Jack Catterall by split decision in Manchester, walking away with the interim WBO super lightweight title. The February 15, 2025, showdown at the Co-op Arena was a tactical war, with both men refusing to back down. Catterall’s sharp counterpunching and precision clashed against Barboza’s relentless pressure and volume, making it a fight too close to call. When the scorecards were read—115-113 for Catterall, overruled by two identical 115-113 scores for Barboza—the crowd erupted in mixed reactions. The result leaves lingering questions and sets the stage for Barboza’s next move toward a title shot.
A Chess Match in the Ring
The fight was a battle of strategy rather than sheer aggression. Catterall’s left hand consistently found its mark, but Barboza refused to give ground, pressing forward with combinations and sustained activity. The rounds were razor-close, with momentum shifting back and forth.
An intense moment came in the tenth round when Barboza appeared to stumble to the canvas. The Manchester crowd roared, believing it to be a knockdown, but the referee ruled it a slip, a decision that may have influenced the outcome.
Arnold Barboza Jr. edges Jack Catterall
After securing the hard-fought win, Barboza acknowledged the toughness of his opponent. “Catterall is a great fighter, but I did enough to win,” he stated. Meanwhile, Catterall remained composed, expressing frustration but congratulating Barboza on the victory.
With the interim WBO belt in hand, Barboza is now in line for a potential shot at WBO champion Teofimo Lopez. Whether Lopez accepts the challenge remains to be seen, but the super lightweight division just got a lot more interesting.
Barboza vs. Catterall was everything fans expected—tense, tactical, and controversial. For Barboza, the road ahead leads to championship gold. For Catterall, the quest for redemption begins.
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