Catterall Shines, But Hearn's Focus Is Elsewhere - Boxing News 24

Source: Boxing News 24

Leeds, UK: Josh Taylor v Jack Catterall, Super Lightweight Contest. 25 May 2024 Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing.

Jack Catterall's promoter, Eddie Hearn, sounded off tonight at the post-fight press conference, criticizing WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez defending his belt against Steve Claggett next rather than his fighter.

Instead of celebrating Catterall's 12-round unanimous decision win over former undisputed 140-kb champion Josh Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs) tonight in Leeds, Hearn focused on the big fight that Jack could have against Teofimo if he weren't already scheduled to fight #13 WBO Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) on June 29th.

Hearn admits that a fight between Catterall and the Bob Arum-promoted Teofimo could happen only if the Saudis were involved because Teo fights on ESPN.

Hearn Slams Teofimo's "Disgraceful" Decision

"Teofimo Lopez is fighting Steve Claggett. It's a f**** disgrace," said promoter Eddie Hearn at the post-fight press conference tonight, venting about Teofimo Lopez defending his WBO light welterweight title next against #13 Steve Claggett on June 29th.

"It's a terrible fight. We got offered Steve Claggett for Subriel Matias, and I said, 'He's not good enough,'" said Hearn to Fight Hub TV. "What does he have, eight or nine losses on his record? That's a terrible fight for ESPN.

Catterall vs. Teofimo: The Dream Match

"Jack Catterall against Teofimo Lopez is a proper fight, but let him do his thing. We love that fight after. I'll be honest. The referee match is there. It does exist [with Taylor]. It is a big fight, but the focus is a world championship fight.

"Teofimo Lopez because he talks a lot of s*** about me," said Hearn when asked which champion he would pick out of all of them at 140 for Catterall to fight. "I think it would be a great build-up. He's a great fighter.

"Only if it's in Saudi Arabia," said Hearn, wondering whether it'll be easy to fight between Catterall and Teofimo, given the network issues. "They'll never choose Jack Catterall for a [voluntary] defense because they know how good he is," said Hearn.