The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has set the stage for a pivotal junior welterweight final elimination bout, paving the way for the next mandatory challenger to one of boxing's most formidable champions. Jack Catterall and Richardson Hitchins have both responded positively to the IBF's invitation, with the fight officially ordered, setting up an intriguing contest between two top contenders in the division.
Jack Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs) from England, ranked number two by the IBF, is set to face Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs), who holds the number four spot. This matchup is significant as the former undisputed champion Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs), currently ranked in between them, is moving up to welterweight, leaving the junior welterweight landscape open for new contenders.
Both Catterall and Hitchins, who share a promotional banner under Matchroom Boxing, had previously declined to participate in the earlier mandatory process, which saw Uzbekistan's Ergashev emerge as the mandatory challenger by default. This time, however, they are set to clash in a battle that promises to be a crucial step for either fighter aiming to secure a title shot.
Catterall, who has rebounded with two victories in 2023, is looking to shake off the disappointment of his controversial split decision defeat to Josh Taylor in February 2021. His most recent triumph, a unanimous decision over the now-retired former three-division champion Jorge Linares, showcased his resilience and skill in the ring.
Hitchins, a 2016 Olympian for Haiti, has also been on a winning streak this year. He captured attention with a dominant performance over John Bauza and further solidified his status as a rising star with a unanimous decision victory against former title challenger Jose Zepeda.
The victor of this eliminator will earn the right to challenge the current IBF junior welterweight titlist, Subriel Matias (20-1, 20 KOs), a fearsome puncher who recently defended his title with a fifth-round stoppage of Shohjahon Ergashev. Matias, now in the voluntary stage of his reign, will have the opportunity to make an optional defense until June 29, after which he must face the mandatory challenger.
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