Super-Lightweight World Title contender, Jack Catterall, is set to defend his WBA Intercontinental Title against Jorge Linares. The bout will take place at M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, on Saturday, October 21, and will be broadcast live on DAZN.
Catterall (27-1, 13 KOs), who is keen to regain his 140lbs title following his controversial loss to former undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion, Josh Taylor, in February 2022, is eager for a rematch. If he defeats Venezuela’s Linares, he’s also eyeing the winner of the speculated fight between Devin Haney and Regis Prograis.
After a 15-month hiatus from the ring, the 30-year-old left-handed fighter returned to score a victory over Darragh Foley in a ten-rounder. The contest was part of the undercard for Leigh Wood’s WBA Featherweight World Title win against Mauricio Lara at the Manchester Arena in May.
Linares (47-8, 29 KOs), already popular in the UK for his victories over Kevin Mitchell and Anthony Crolla, plans to shake up the thriving 140lbs division by maintaining his unbeaten streak in the UK and thwarting Catterall’s shot at a World Title in his next fight.
Catterall acknowledges the honour of facing Linares, whom he regards as a legend. For both fighters, a win is crucial, albeit for different reasons. He also understands that he cannot afford to lose focus at this point in his career.
Linares is eager for the fight, promising a spectacular performance and ready to teach Catterall a lesson in boxing.
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman, announced the significant event, highlighting Catterall’s desire for a rematch with Josh Taylor or the winner of the potential Haney vs. Prograis bout. He further emphasised Linares’ determination for a winning streak in the UK.
The fight’s significance is acknowledged by Sam Jones, who warns against underestimating Linares. Similarly, Robert Diaz thanks Matchroom for another opportunity for Linares in the UK, hoping to maintain Linares’ unbeaten record.
Alfie Sharman, VP, DAZN, adds the fight to the Autumn schedule, pointing out that a win for Catterall could lead to bigger battles in 2024. Details about ticket sales will be announced in due time.
UNDERCARD
Peter McGrail, who currently holds a 7-0 record with 5 knockouts, prepares to make his mark on the Super-Bantamweight division. On Saturday, October 21, McGrail will contend for his first professional title against the undefeated Colombian Fran Mendoza. This bout is set for the vacant WBA Continental Title and will be a significant attraction on the undercard of the Super-Lightweight clash between Jack Catterall and multi-weight World Champion Jorge Linares at the M&S Bank Arena. Fans will be able to catch this electrifying event live worldwide on DAZN.
Known as one of Merseyside’s most heralded amateur boxers, McGrail trains at the famous Everton Red Triangle Gym on Albion Street, guided by coach Paul Stevenson. McGrail’s professional debut, much awaited by boxing enthusiasts, occurred at the sold-out Liam Smith vs. Anthony Fowler showdown at the M&S Bank Arena in October 2021. Displaying his class, McGrail comfortably outpointed Ed Harrison over six rounds, heralding a successful start to his professional journey.
Just two months after his professional debut, McGrail returned to the same arena, this time for a match on the undercard of the fully-packed Conor Benn vs. Chris Algieri and Katie Taylor vs. Firuza Sharipova double-header. Here, he achieved his first stoppage victory without wearing a vest, ending Nicaragua’s Engel Gomez’s night in a quick two rounds.
In March, the 27-year-old made his promotional entrance as a Matchroom fighter. He performed on the undercard of Diego Pacheco’s brutal four-round takedown of Jack Cullen, clinching a decision win over Argentina’s Nicolas Nahuel Botelli over ten rounds.
Mendoza, currently residing in Spain, carries a perfect 17-win record since his professional beginning in July 2018, with seven wins coming through stoppage. At 26 years old, Mendoza is set to be the first undefeated opponent McGrail has faced in his budding professional career, setting the stage for a captivating contest.
Further spice is added to the evening as Stoke’s undefeated Super-Bantamweight artist, Shabaz Masoud (11-0, 4 KOs), takes his first step as a Matchroom fighter. Having signed a multi-fight agreement with Eddie Hearn in June, Masoud will be defending his WBA Intercontinental title against Colombia’s Jose Sanmartin (34-7-1, 21 KOs).
Oldham’s untarnished Super-Featherweight contender, Aqib Fiaz (12-0, 1 KO), is slated to kick off the live broadcast. He will be entering an intense bout against Watford’s Reece Bellotti (16-5, 13 KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth Title, and this battle will also serve as a British Title Final Eliminator.
Chester’s Paddy Lacey (8-0, 1 KO) is all set to step back into the ring against Heysham’s Owen Kirk (3-1-2). Additionally, Hyde Super-Lightweight Campbell Hatton (13-0, 5 KOs) is preparing for his fifth appearance this year after outpointing Tom Ansell on the undercard of Joshua vs. Helenius earlier this month. Bolton’s Khaleel Majid (11-0, 3 KOs) will also be looking to build on his points victory in Birmingham over the weekend.
