Arnold Barboza Jr. and Jack Cottrell fight for the WBO Interim Championship.

WBO President Gustavo Oliveri has confirmed that the fight between #1 Arnold Barboza Jr. and #2 Jack Cottrell will be for the WBO interim light welterweight title when they meet on February 15th at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.

Olivieri says this move is being made by “Uncertainty in the career of Teofimo Lopez. Theo has said he wants to move up to 147 to challenge the ubiquitous IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for the belt, calling out Terence Crawford and rejecting left and right fights.

WBO interim title fight

Teofimo wants to buy out his contract with Top Rank’s promoters, creating uncertainty about his career. Some believe that the act corrupts him and destroys what is left.

The winner of Catterall vs Barboza Jr. will face Teofimo if he chooses to take the fight. If so, it’s a big one.

Barboza Jr. (31-0, 11 KOs) has a good chance of defeating Cattrell (30-1, 13 KOs) in his recent 10-round unanimous decision fight against former unified welterweight champion Jose Ramirez on Nov. 16.

Arnold looked amazing in that fight, with a powerful jab, a good one-two combo, and the ability to sometimes take down the former champion.

1/ Given the uncertainty surrounding Teofimo Lopez’s career, it will benefit boxing and the 140-pound division. #WBO Championship Cmte. Barboza/Catterall to be subject to temporary title and obligation under certain conditions and time limits

— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) January 10, 2025

Introduced by Matchroom, Catterall After losing to Jack Cottrell in 2022, he turned his career around with a four-fight winning streak. He avenged his loss to Taylor in May 2024, winning a close 12 round decision. Last October, he defeated former two-time 140-pound champion Regis Prograis by a 12-round decision.

Some fans refer to Catterall as a Poor man’s Shakur Stevensonas it has the same boring beat and beat style and is not much fun to watch. With a good cup of strong coffee, one can endure watching Catterall fight.

Cattrell bounces back after throwing punches and tries hard to destroy his opponents offense. He’s not fun to watch, but his style works for him. It might not be against Barboza Jr., but he’s got a country-by-country advantage. Arnold hits Catterall’s brakes.

So, there is a chance to win if you close. Talent-wise, Barboza Jr. It is above standards and should be easily won. Fighting on Catterall’s home turf makes it difficult to predict.