Jack Catterall Cruises To A Unanimous Decision Victory Against Jorge Linares

Jack Catterall eased past Jorge Linares to win via a unanimous decision as the victory kept the boxer’s quest for a world title in the 140-pound division alive.

Linares sought to set the pace with the jab as the former three-weight world champion landed a right hand to send Catterall into the corner. The latter, though, responded with a straight left down the pipe in a competitive first round. The second round was much more of the same. However, a clash of heads resulted in a cut above Linares’ right eye. Undeterred, the Venezuelan landed with another right only for Catterall to respond with a left.

As the fight progressed, the Brit settled down to find his groove. In round five, Catterall connected with another left that sent Linares towards the ropes. Despite Catterall’s attempts at getting the stoppage, Linares managed to make it out of the round.

👀 @jack_catt93 hurts @JorgeLinares in the fifth!#CatterallLinares pic.twitter.com/sJR3Qpx6K9

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 21, 2023

In the second half of the fight, Catterall upped the ante. Round seven was summed up by four straight left hands that left Linares reeling. Round eight was a similar story, with numerous left hands piecing Linares’ defense. As the fight entered the championship rounds, Catterall coasted to a victory on the cards: 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112.

The win was Catterall’s second on the bounce following the controversial split-decision loss to Josh Taylor. As for Linares, the boxer suffered his fourth defeat in a row as he announced his retirement. And after having managed to reach the top of the sport, Linares had nothing but good memories over his career.

Reaction

Jack Catterall speaks after a stellar performance. 💫#CatterallLinares | @jack_catt93 pic.twitter.com/Q6XEE1HbSc

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 21, 2023

“Times when I did catch him, I probably should have gone more [at him]. These 12 rounds with Jorge are going to put me in good shape heading into these big fights. … I did what I set out to do. … Taylor, where are you? Let’s have it. It’s personal now. He’s said some nasty things over the last 18 months and I think we’ve got a score to settle. I’m going to need a Josh Taylor, a Devin Haney, a Regis Prograis to bring the best out of me and bring that fire,” Catterall

“Happy, super happy, I don’t care if I lost. I’m a three-time world champion. I’m a very blessed guy. So to finish like this is amazing; it’s a big thing for me. I’m super happy to be here and to show myself who I am and how I finish the fight by a decision. It’s important to me. I came here to enjoy. Yes, I made everyone happy.

“That’s a good thing. Yes, this is the last fight. I love boxing; I love to be in the gym. I can help [trainer] Ismael Salas in the gym. Maybe I can open a gym. I have a lot of opportunities. I can work on TV and do whatever I want. I want to rest a little bit. I made a beautiful story all my life, and that’s why I finish super happy. I don’t need to show anybody who I am.  That’s why I train so hard to make a beautiful show. The only thing I want to say is thank you everybody, and congratulations to Jack [Catterall]. The UK is the best,” Linares

Full Results

Jack Catterall def. Jorge Linares via a unanimous decision: 117-111, 116-112, 116-112

Reece Bellotti def. Aqib Fiaz via an eighth-round TKO

Peter McGrail def. Fran Mendoza via a unanimous decision: 99-91, 99-91, 97-93

Khaleel Majid def. Tom Farrell via sixth-round TKO

Campbell Hatton def. Jamie Sampson after the latter was disqualified

Paddy Lacey def. Owen Kirk via a first-round knockout

Muhammad Mustafa Ali def. Giulio Commerso via a points decision: 60-54

William Crolla def. Martin Shaw via a first round TKO

Jack Turner def. Adam Yahaya via a first round knockout