Europe’s biggest indoor arena was buzzing with excitement as Catterall stepped into the ring. About 7,000 fans shouted “Chorley,” proudly supporting their local fighter. As he entered, the lively tune from “The Lion King,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” played, setting a cheerful tone.
Catterall, who started boxing at just 11 years old and turned professional in 2012, is generally a quiet family guy. However, he carried a confident vibe throughout fight week, with a noticeable bounce in his step.
On the other side, Barboza arrived brimming with confidence. Having won all 31 of his professional fights, including a standout victory against Jose Ramirez, he was ready for a tough challenge in the UK.
Both fighters started cautiously, not wanting to give too much away early on. Catterall took the lead in the first two rounds with sharper punches. But Barboza quickly showed his skills, cutting off the ring and delivering effective jabs and solid body shots.
Catterall is known for his counter-punching style. While it’s appreciated by boxing purists, it might not always be thrilling to watch. In the sixth round, he landed a fantastic two-punch combination, but Barboza fired back with a strong right hand.
In the seventh round, Catterall received a warning for a low blow. As the round ended, he seemed momentarily shaken after absorbing a punch from Barboza.
The crowd erupted in cheers in the 11th round when Barboza hit the canvas. He quickly jumped up, claiming it was a slip after Catterall’s jab caught him off guard. Replays later showed he tripped over Catterall’s leg.
As the fight concluded, both fighters raised their arms in triumph. Ringside analysts found it hard to pick a winner as the scorecards looked very close. It was a night filled with skill, tension, and excitement, showcasing the best of boxing.
