Jack Catterall defeats Harlem Eubank after cut chaos

Messy maul ends in technical decision win for Chorley southpaw

Jack Catterall is back on the verge of a world title opportunity, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. Catterall defeated Harlem Eubank by technical decision in Manchester last night. The fight was a difficult watch, ending at one second of round seven, with both men badly cut.

Catterall’s seemed an extremely ugly, deep gash. The TD landed unanimously in the hometown fighter’s favour, by scores of 69-65 from Marcus McDonnell and two 69-66 verdicts for Steve Gray and John Latham.

The styles did not gel at all and the early finish, while unfortunate for both fighters’ career prospects, was probably a small mercy. For the most part, it was a messy affair. The pair found it difficult to land punches, while many watching found it difficult to pay attention full stop, due to the repeated non-action.

Last seen losing a narrow decision to Arnold Barboza Jr., which cost him a shot at the world title, the pressure was on Catterall to deliver. He left the Barboza battle seemingly with more to offer, failing to pull the trigger down the stretch as the fight hung in the balance.

Back in the Manchester Arena, holding the coveted Eubank surname, Harlem had much to live up to. The early going was a battle of lead hands as both fizzed and flicked with their respective range finders. Eubank with the orthodox. Catterall the southpaw.

Things got physical in round three as the pair tangled together in a WWE-style manoeuvre that saw both men hit the deck. It was a portent of what was to come. Eubank lost the satisfied grin in round four, replacing it with the grimace of a man throwing heavier shots as Catterall leaned in over the front foot.

They were back on the floor in round six following another wrestling match. The dirtiness descended even further in the sixth as both men were left with cuts. Catterall’s was terrible. One of the worst you’d see. Not for the doctor who patched him up and tried to send him back out for more.

Referee Bob Williams struggled to gain control as the pair ended up on the canvas once more in fits of aggression. Soon after, Eubank’s inspecting medic said his cut was bad enough to signal the end. Carl Frampton later suggested that he had raced across the ring to call for a stoppage. Perhaps that prompted the second doctor to act.

Jack Catterall is now 31-2 (13 KOs), while Harlem Eubank suffered his first pro defeat, falling to 21-1 (9 KOs).

Catterall later explained that Eubank’s slippery, tricky style was exactly as he expected. With ambitions to become a world champion, the Chorley man knew it was a must-win outing. Eubank blamed Catterall for the headwork that caused the cut, and stated that he had proven his world-class worthiness.

“I was coming into the fight beautifully,” said Harlem, who called for a run back. Not sure many people would want to see that.

Image Credit: BBC.

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About Steve…

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