JACK Catterall insists he is purely focused on tonight’s showdown with Arnold Barboza Jr despite knowing another shot at the world title could be on the horizon.
The Chorley fighter takes on the unbeaten American at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester with the winner being the mandatory challenger for Teofimo Lopez’s WBO junior welterweight title.
Catterall goes in to the contest with one blemish on his 30-fighter career - the controversial world title defeat to Josh Taylor, a loss he avenged - while Barboza has won all 31 of his bouts.
“I don’t want no easy fights. Arnold’s been in the position that I’ve been in waiting for that opportunity. You’ve got to take your chance,” Catterall said.
“I do believe I’m a better fighter and I do believe I get him out of there Saturday.”
He added: “I’ve got to remain 100 per cent focused on Arnold.
“That being said, we understand the business and, if you look past Saturday, there’s so many great fights to be made.
“Lopez has got the WBO (title). Hopefully that’s a fight that can be made down the line.”
Catterall will be fighting at the Co-Op Live Arena for the second time, having dropped Regis Prograis twice on his way to victory in front of a passionate crowd back in October.
Barboza, who beat José Ramírez in November to extend his unbeaten record, is hoping to use that home support to his advantage.
“I’ve watched a lot of fights where people have come here in enemy territory they’re just getting booed,” said Barboza. “I hope it’s sold out and I hope I’m getting booed, that’s just going to turn me on, honestly it is. I’m excited man, this is the dream.
While the fight will be for the WBO interim title, promoter Eddie Hearn said he wouldn’t be surprised if the winner got elevated to full champion.
“Teofimo has the order to fight the winner,” Hearn said.
“Sometimes the unification fight can play precedent to that, especially with a big show... and (IBF champion) Richardson Hitchin’s fight with Teofimo Lopez probably would get through that net of the order.
“But that’s going to be it, so the winner of that fight either has to move up (in weight) or fight for the world championship.
“Once you win the interim title, if they do move up, you don’t have to fight to become champion, you become champion. I actually believe that the winner of this fight will be full world champion at 140 pounds.”
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