Jack Catterall lost for only the second time in his boxing career on Saturday night as Arnold Barboza Jr edged a split decision victory.
‘El Gato’ was just one win away from a shot at Teofimo Lopez and the WBO super-lightweight title but fell on the wrong side of a tight decision.
Barboza Jr denied the hometown favourite, with Catterall struggling for any kind of offensive rhythm. Though the 32-year-old did have some success, he just couldn’t get enough shots together to leave a bigger impact on the judges when it came to the scorecards.
The American was awarded the decision largely because he was the busier of the two, albeit there was little to split the pair at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester.
Now, a shot at Lopez awaits while Catterall looks to build again, having come into the fight on the back of a series of impressive victories.
Catterall vs Barboza Jr latest updates
Live updates
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr
Round 7: Bellotti has upped the pace of late, looking to avoid a situation where the cut plays an impact.
He’s keep Gomez Jr at bay with his jab. Tough night for him.
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr
Round 6: Bellotti with a nasty cut from a clash of heads but hangs on in there.
Gomez Jr has recovered well but still cannot find much in the way of success.
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr
Round 5: Gomez Jr down after a fierce body shot! He gets up to continue and lands a nice uppercut.
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr
Round 3: Gomez Jr is only landing single shots, he surely has to work the body to slow the pace down.
Lovely left hook from Bellotti to finish the round.
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr
Round 2: Much better from Bellotti, who is boxing well on the move.
Gomez Jr just cannot deal with his movement.
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr
Round 1: Both find success, though Gomez perhaps the busier.
Catterall vs Barboza Jr
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr up next!
Pat McCormack vs Robbie Davies Jr
What a showing...
Pat McCormack vs Robbie Davies Jr
Round 6: Boom!
McCormack claims a TKO. Brilliant peformance.
Pat McCormack vs Robbie Davies Jr
Round 6: Davies Jr takes another two big right hands but remains hanging on in there.
Testament to his character here.
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