Jack Catterall returned to winning ways against Harlem Eubank to become the new IBF Intercontinental Welterweight Champion – although the fight didn’t end the way he would have hoped.
Catterall scored the victory via technical decision after the main event at the AO Arena was cut short due to a clash of heads.
The Chorley boxer seemed keen to continue but that was not possible following a check with the ringside doctor.
Regardless, Catterall bounces back from his defeat against Arnold Barboza Jr in February, which was only the second of his professional career.
He had moved up to 147lbs for the bout, benefitting from a bit of time to refresh after a gruelling 18 months the Barboza Jr clash.
Ahead of the contest, Eubank faced an awkward encounter with family rival Conor Benn. Each team can nominate someone to watch the wrapping of the opponent’s hands and Benn went in to represent Catterall.
There was a big fight feel as the crowd serenaded ‘El Gato’ to the ring, joining in with Ben E King’s classic song Stand By Me.
Eubank’s arrival was met by a more hostile reception from most of the Northern supporters, who were firmly behind their local competitor.
The first round was even, with both fighters landing decent shots, but Catterall began to take control.
The Chorley fighter landed a couple of good shots in the next couple and it felt like he was starting to take control.
Eubank responded well in the fourth, connecting with a clean strike, but Catterall hit back in the fifth with a powerful straight right.
Both men hit the deck after a spot of wrestling early in the sixth and there was more drama when Eubank appeared to catch Catterall when his back was turned after the clash of heads.
The incident was met with boos from the Manchester crowd and some stern words from the referee.
The severity of Catterall’s cut became apparent ahead of the seventh round and the doctor was called on to take a look.
Despite his willingness to fight on, the referee called off the fight and there was frustration from those in attendance, who had been hoping to see a definitive finish.
There were still big cheers when Catterall was announced the victor. The judges scored it 69-66, 69-66 and 69-65 as the 32-year-old got back on track following his disappointment earlier in the year.
El Gato now takes his record to 31-2, although it remains to be seen what is next for him and how long it will take to recover from his deep wound.
Earlier on the card, Leo Atang and Pat Brown both secured emphatic first-round stoppages and Joe Cordina beat Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz via the judges’ scorecards on his return to the ring, although the Mexican certainly didn’t make it easy.
There was also a thrilling bout between Aqib Fiaz and Alex Murphy which went the distance. Despite losing, the latter put in a valiant performance after taking the fight on two weeks’ notice.
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