Eddie Hearn is hoping to finally get one over the Eubank family when Jack Catterall fights Harlem Eubank at the AO Arena in Manchester, England on July 5.
Hearn recently watched his fighter Conor Benn scored the loser at middleweight against Chris Eubank Jnr in April. Their fight at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a huge occasion for British boxing and propelled both Benn and Eubank Jnr into the limelight.
Eubank Jnr’s performance and victory over Benn has made his profile even bigger, and to the extent that his relatives are perhaps reaping the benefits. His cousin Harlem has built his profile on the British terrestrial television platform Channel 5, and off the back of the momentum of Eubank Jnr-Benn has been matched with the 31-year-old Catterall.
The occasion represents the biggest of the 31-year-old Harlem’s career. Catterall is also moving up from 140lbs to fight him at welterweight. He lost in February to Arnold Barboza Jnr, and has chosen to rebuild at 147lbs, starting with Eubank.
“I like the fight a lot and I'm pleased to get it made,” Hearn said. “The response has been fantastic and we look forward to welcoming the Eubanks – and maybe we can get a win this time.
“I think Jack wanted a big fight, you know, after the Barboza fight – which was really disappointing. I was like, ‘Do you want a 10-round comeback fight?’. He went: ‘No, I don't want a 10-rounder; I just want the biggest fight you can find me.’”
This will be Catterall’s first bout at 147lbs after spending the majority of his career down at junior welterweight. Hearn revealed that cutting down to 140lbs was becoming increasingly difficult for him.
“The weight cut for Barboza and probably [Josh] Taylor was starting to get a little bit difficult,” Hearn said. “He's been at 140 a long time and originally we talked about Harlem Eubank and maybe doing it at 145lbs – something like that. I mean Harlem was at 140 as well previously and Jack went, ‘Look I'm happy to do it at 147’, and obviously Harlem was pleased to do it.
“I actually didn't think Harlem would take that fight. If I'm honest, it is risky for Jack because if he gets beat he's done, and it's just a really good fight. Obviously the Eubank name is hot right now and we will see on July 5th who will lick them up; who will be victorious.”