Jack Catterall defeated Harlem Eubank via a technical decision in a disappointing outcome after their fight was prematurely stopped in the sixth round due to an accidental head clash.
Following a cautious start, an accidental clash of heads resulted in both boxers sustaining severe cuts above their eyes.
It quickly became apparent that the cut sustained by the 32-year-old Catterall was more severe. Despite efforts from his corner, the fight was stopped by the referee, leading to boos from the crowd as the decision went to the scorecards. Since more than four rounds had been completed, the judges` scores were tallied. The officials unanimously scored the bout in favor of Catterall: 69-65, 69-66, and 69-66.
Before the fight, Harlem Eubank had a tense encounter with the Eubank family`s rival, Conor Benn. Benn, who lost to Harlem`s cousin Chris Eubank Jr. earlier this year, controversially entered Harlem`s dressing room to observe his hand wrapping. This tactic mirrored Benn`s previous attempt before the Chris Eubank Jr. fight, where Billy Joe Saunders was sent but prevented from entering. This time, Benn was permitted access just before the fight began in Manchester.
The opening round was close, with both fighters exchanging basic combinations. Catterall, fighting from a southpaw stance, landed the more significant shots with his left hand. Eubank, 31, appeared quicker, but Catterall displayed composure and experience.
Catterall, known for counter-punching, took the second round by becoming the aggressor and landing shots while Eubank was still assessing him. The third round saw a messy exchange resulting in both fighters falling to the canvas. The remainder of the round was uneventful until the break and the singing of `Sweet Caroline`. Eubank won the fourth round clearly with a right hand and left hook, but the overall pace was slow, causing the late-night crowd to become restless.
The sixth round began with a strange sequence where both fighters tumbled into the ropes. Eubank then landed two sharp jabs that snapped Catterall`s head back. Shortly after, following another clinch, an accidental clash of heads occurred, leaving both men with severe cuts above their eyes. Catterall`s cut appeared particularly bad. His cutman, Kerry Kayes, worked effectively during a lengthy pause, and Catterall was allowed to continue after being checked by the doctor. However, the crowd anticipated a stoppage if the bleeding resumed.
And, after discussions with a ringside official, the fight was ultimately stopped. There was initial confusion regarding the outcome, but since the fight had gone beyond four rounds, the judges` scorecards were used. Catterall was declared the winner by unanimous technical decision, ending his two-fight losing streak.
Catterall commented on the fight, stating, “Respect to Harlem, but I felt I was wearing him down. It`s frustrating that I couldn`t fully get into my rhythm. It was a head clash, and I just have to accept it and move forward. The referee made the call; it wasn`t up to me. He was evasive and challenging, but I believed my punches were cleaner. I`ve secured a win after two consecutive losses, which puts me back in contention for significant fights.”
Eubank, reflecting on the outcome, said, “He led with his head, but I was prepared to continue into round seven. Unfortunately, I didn`t get the result. I`d be open to a rematch, but we`ll have to see.” While Eubank expressed interest in a rematch due to the early stoppage, Catterall and his team appear focused on pursuing world title opportunities.
Commenting on Catterall`s severe cut, former boxer Carl Frampton remarked, “That will absolutely require plastic surgery. It`s very deep. There`s no way simple stitches will suffice. Ten or twelve stitches won`t fix that.” Tony Bellew agreed, stating, “One hundred percent, he will need a specialist to repair that.”
