Former junior welterweight world title challenger Jack ‘El Gato’ Catterall 27-1 (13) says his focus is solely on former three-weight world champion Jorge Linares 47-8 (29) who he will face at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England on Saturday night.
The 30-year-old British southpaw saw his star rise after a disputed split decision loss to then-undisputed junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor 19-1 (13) in February last year, but he has boxed just once since, a wide 10-round points win over Darragh Foley 22-5-1 (10) last May.
Linares will be the first orthodox fighter Catterall has faced in almost three years.
“I think we all know Linares is a future Hall of Famer and I wouldn’t show the disrespect to any opponent by talking about any other fights right now,” said Catterall, The Ring’s number six contender at 140-pounds.
“I said to [manager] Sam [Jones] and the team around me, we don’t talk about any fights – it’s 100% focus on Linares. We pay him that respect and we train hard to win that fight on October 21st.
“I think that’s why the fight is exciting – Linares has been over to our turf, my turf, and always picked up the victories. I’m next up now to defend our turf and pick up the win.”
Venezuelan veteran Linares, 38, is not a boxer you want to overlook. Although he is unranked by the four major sanctioning bodies and clearly closing in on the twilight of his career, Linares remains a dangerous proposition for anyone who underestimates his conditioning and experience.
Linares last challenged for a world title two years ago when he dropped a close unanimous decision to WBC lightweight champion Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney 30-0 (5) in Las Vegas Nevada by scores of 113-115 and 112-116 twice.
Boxing away from home won’t be an issue for Linares, who has been a road warrior throughout his career. His gloves have taken him as far abroad as Russia, Mexico, Japan, Panama and Argentina. His three previous bouts in the UK have all been world title fights. Each one has ended in victory for Linares.
“This is an amazing dream for me,” said Linares, who will be returning to the UK for the first time in six years.
“I always wanted to go back to the UK to make another amazing fight with the best 135-pound or 140-pound fighter. The best option was Jack Catterall.
“The motivation that I have right now is the same as it was seven or eight years ago. This is the moment. This is the most important fight. I want to make an amazing show for the people to enjoy and to enjoy myself.
“We’re going to make a beautiful fight. This is the most difficult fight of my life. I need to win this fight.”
