WBO President Gustavo Olivieri has announced the official order of the top two contenders in the junior welterweight division to negotiate to fight for the mandatory position. #1 Arnold Barboza Jr. and #2 Jack Catterall. The winner will become mandatory for WBO champion Teofimo Lopez. Both Teams have 20 days to reach terms or a purse bid will be called.
Barboza Jr. 32, (31-0 11KOs) is fresh off a convincing unanimous decision of former unified champion Jose Ramirez on November 16th in Saudi Arabia. Previous, Barboza Jr. was awarded a highly controversial split decision victory over Irishman Sean McComb on April 20th. Barboza Jr. has been the #1 contender since June 2023.
Jack Catterall 31, (30-1 13KOs) is the uncrowned champion in junior welterweight division. Many observers believe he deserved the victory over then undisputed champion Josh Taylor in February 2022. Since then, Catterall has reeled off four wins in row which includes three former world champions; Jorge Linares, Taylor and most recent Regis Prograis.
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