Jack Catterall targets welterweight unification amid Romero delay
Newly crowned WBA regular welterweight champion Jack Catterall has set his sights on division unification amid delays over a mandatory bout with Rolando Romero.
The British fighter secured his piece of the world title puzzle by defeating Shakhram Giyasov via unanimous decision in Egypt last month.
Romero, the WBA’s designated super champion, was given a 180-day window from May to face the new titleholder.
However, reports suggest the American might take an interim bout this summer before fulfilling his mandatory unification obligations.
Alternative targets await
Speaking to the media, the Chorley-born boxer expressed frustration at the potential delay but remains open to other high-profile matchups.
“News is circulating now that he’s going to take a fight, an interim fight or a keep busy fight in August, which is not ideal.”
“There’s potential for him to get cuts, but either way I’m going to fight for that ‘super’ title.”
If a clash with the super champion fails to materialise, the southpaw is eager to explore alternative blockbuster bouts in a deeply talented weight class.
He highlighted the winner of Lewis Crocker’s upcoming fight with Liam Paro, alongside Conor Benn, Devin Haney, and Ryan Garcia as potential opponents.
Career resurgence
The 33-year-old has experienced a significant career resurgence since a highly controversial defeat to Josh Taylor in 2022.
Winning seven of his subsequent eight contests, including a long-awaited rematch victory over Taylor, has propelled the athlete back to the summit of the sport.
Reflecting on his recent triumph over undefeated Olympic medallist Giyasov, he admitted revelling in his underdog status.
“I never really get emotional but after the fight the emotions were shown.”
Feeling better than ever, the world titleholder is determined to capitalise on his current momentum and secure further career-defining showdowns.