Linares Lost in a Narrow Battle, While Catterall Calls Out Taylor for a Rematch

Jack Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs) secured a unanimous decision victory over Jorge Linares (47-9, 29 KOs) in a WBA Inter-Continental super lightweight title bout (up to 140 pounds) held in Liverpool, United Kingdom, at the Echo Arena.

Linares, who was given a title opportunity after three consecutive losses, started the fight energetically but faced difficulties in the fifth round when Catterall landed significant blows and came close to ending the match prematurely. However, Linares managed to hang on, but for the viewers, the excitement was short-lived.

Catterall did not push the pace and calmly led the fight to a decision victory. Despite Linares' efforts to alter the course of the contest, he was unable to do so. It turned into a calm and tactical bout, with one fighter not willing to do more, and the other unable to.

The judges' verdict was 116-112 twice and 117-111, all in favor of the British champion.

After the fight, Catterall called out Josh Taylor for a rematch. In their previous encounter, Catterall suffered his first career loss, a decision that remains controversial according to some fans and experts.

Other results from the evening include:

Riz Belotti (17-5, 14 KOs) defeated Akib Fiaz (12-1, 1 KO) by RTD in the 8th round.

William Crolla (2-0, 1 KO) secured a first-round TKO victory over Martin Shaw (4-17-3, 1 KO).

Campbell Hatton (14-0, 5 KOs) was disqualified in the 8th round against Jamie Sampson (9-3, 0 KOs).