ARNOLD Barboza Jr is the new WBO Interim super-lightweight champion after beating Jack Catterall by split decision in the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester.

Full WBO champion Teofimo Lopez is waiting in the wings for the winner if he decides to keep hold of the belt and accommodate Barboza Jr within the 180-day stipulation of the governing body.

Judges Leszek Jankowiak and Patrick Morley scored it 115-113 in favour of Barboza, overruling Marcus McDonnell, who went 115-113 the other way.

“Honestly, I didn’t have it that close I thought I won more rounds,” said Barboza Jr, who praised Oscar De La Hoya as the best promoter in boxing.

“Anybody can get it, any day of the week.”

Barboza overreached at times during round one as Catterall sat patiently, happy to let the American lead before picking him off. Barboza quickened his feet in the third, trying to get the shots off quicker as Catterall remained in retreat mode.
Jack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza Jr (Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
The Barboza swiping right hand to the body landed more than once. Catterall was in danger of letting too many portions of the rounds drift by. Catterall’s face was showing signs of war damage in round eight. Barboza’s hooks were causing the blemishes. It felt extremely close after nine, with the final third left for someone to claim it.

The feet got tangled up at the close of the 10th as Catterall’s fanbase sprung into life, claiming a knockdown. Referee Steve Gray correctly ruled it no knockdown. The final couple of rounds were nip and tuck. Both men climbed onto the shoulders of their corner team to claim victory. It was Barboza Jr’s night.

“Tricky fight, close fight, congratulations to Barboza,” said Catterall. “I want to see him go on and fight for the world title. I hope he beats Teofimo Lopez.”

The winner, Arnold Barboza Jr, is now 32-0 (11 KOs), while Jack Catterall suffered loss number two at 30-2 (13 KOs).