Jack Catterall, the challenger for the Super-Lightweight World Title, squares off against the versatile champ, Jorge Linares. The battleground? The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. You can catch all the action live on DAZN, no matter where you are in the world.
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport: “I’m ecstatic to return to this wonderful city, and we have an exciting series of events up until the end of 2023.
Recently, we had the San Francisco press conference for Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis, focusing on the WBC World Super-Lightweight Title. Everyone’s eager for their fight on December 9. But right now, our attention is on the potential World Champion versus the ‘Brit Destroyer’ Jorge Linares. This fight will be broadcast live on DAZN globally, and we have an exciting undercard lined up.”
Jack Catterall:
“Given that Jorge has fought here several times, fans recognize him, which has boosted our fight’s appeal. Hearing I’d be fighting Jorge spurred me into action. He’s an exciting opponent with a seasoned track record. Knowing he’s teamed up again with Ismael Salas has motivated me to push harder in my training. I don’t underestimate him; he’s been a three-time World Champion. But this fight’s winner will be on everyone’s radar for significant future battles.
I entered this sport with the goal of becoming a World Champion. Though I haven’t clinched that yet, I trust my skills. We’ve considered various future fights, but they hinge on me defeating Jorge this Saturday.”
Jorge Linares:
“England holds many cherished memories for me, like my fights in London against Kevin Mitchell and my duels with Anthony Crolla in Manchester. This fight represents a new chapter and opponent. In my eyes, Catterall is already a World Champion since he didn’t lose to Josh Taylor.
This fight is significant for me. Though nearing retirement, I feel rejuvenated and better prepared than my previous visits to England. I avoid excessive chatter, but I’m genuinely thrilled about fighting Jack. Yes, I’ve had three recent losses, but they don’t sway my focus. I know Jack’s a tough opponent, but I’ve faced many challenges and have prepared intensively.”
Peter McGrail:
“I’m thrilled to fight in Liverpool, surrounded by my family and loyal fans, amidst an excellent event lineup. Fran stands in my path. On paper, he might seem like a challenge, but I’m confident as he brings no surprises.
The higher the quality of my opponents, the more outstanding my performance. Fran says he’s preparing for a battle. The more aggressively he approaches, the more he’ll find himself on the defensive. I have big dreams for the coming years, like headlining at the Arena and securing a World Title there.”
Fran Mendoza:
“It’s clear to everyone why I’m here. I pride myself on being a powerful fighter, and I’m gearing up for a full-on battle this Saturday.
Our goal is to clinch the victory, and we’ll fight tooth and nail to achieve it.”
Start Time, Fight Card
On Saturday, October 21, the boxing world will turn its eyes to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, for a thrilling fight between Jack Catterall and Jorge Linares. The action is set to open up at 2 p.m. ET (7 p.m. UK), with the main event fighters expected to make their grand entrances around 6:11 p.m. ET (11:11 p.m. UK). However, keep in mind these times might shift based on the outcomes of earlier fights.
Wondering where to catch every punch and jab? DAZN will be streaming the event live for viewers in over 200 countries worldwide, except for Australia and New Zealand.
Here’s a bit more about the men behind the gloves:
Jack Catterall: Hailing from Great Britain, born on July 1, 1993, this southpaw stands 5’7″ tall with a reach of 69″. Out of 28 total fights, he’s claimed victory in 27, 13 of which were by knockout.
Jorge Linares: The Venezuelan fighter, born on August 22, 1985, mirrors his opponent’s reach at 69″ but stands slightly taller at 5’8″. With 55 fights under his belt, Linares has secured 47 wins, 29 through knockouts.
But that’s just the main course. The full menu for the evening’s boxing includes:
- Jack Catterall vs. Jorge Linares, 12 rounds, for the WBA Intercontinental super lightweight title
- Peter McGrail vs. Fran Mendoza, ten rounds, junior featherweights
- Shabaz Masoud vs. Jose Sanmartin, ten rounds, junior featherweights
- Aqib Fiaz vs. Reece Bellotti, 12 rounds, for the vacant Commonwealth junior lightweight title
- Paddy Lacey vs. Owen Kirk, eight rounds, middleweights
- Campbell Hatton vs. Jamie Sampson, eight rounds, junior welterweights
- Khaleel Majid vs. Tom Farrell, eight rounds, junior welterweights
- Muhammad Mustafa Ali vs. Giulio Commerso, six rounds, junior featherweights
- Jack Turner vs. an opponent yet to be announced, 6 rounds, bantamweights
- William Crolla vs. Martin Shaw, four rounds, welterweights