Too close to call: Jack Catterall edged by Arnold Barboza Jr

Jack Catterall edged by Arnold Barboza Jr in "tricky fight"

Chorley's Jack Catterall suffered an agonising split-decision points defeat by unbeaten American Arnold Barboza Jr in Manchester.

The visitor from L.A., Barboza, just edged an incredibly tight contest to win the vacant WBO Interim title, with several swing rounds difficult to score and neither man stamping their authority at the Co-op Live Arena.

Catterall, 31, was outworking and outmanoeuvring his 33-year-old opponent, landing smart counter punches, but Barboza ended all the rounds strongly, with crisp, well-timed power shots.

Two judges at ringside scored the bout 115-113 to Barboza, while the other scored the same to Catterall.

Briton Catterall lost for the second time in his 33-fight career, with the only other blemish a controversial split-decision points defeat by Josh Taylor in 2022, which he avenged last year, unanimously.

Reigning WBO World champion Teofimo Lopez now has 180 days to defend against Barboza, who could be elevated to the position as title holder if his compatriot decides to pursue a different opponent.

"Tricky fight, close fight, there are no arguments and congratulations to Barboza. I thought I just did enough but no excuses," said a deflated Catterall.

Europe's largest indoor arena – with a capacity of 23,500 - was half full as a raucous crowd repeatedly chanted 'Chorley' to welcome the Lancastrian to the ring.

Quite fittingly, he made his entrance to the song 'I just can't wait to be King' from the Disney film, Lion King.

Catterall, who started boxing aged 11 and turned pro in 2012, is a reserved family man, yet there has been a swagger and spring in his step throughout fight week.

Barboza had won all 31 of his pro fights and arrived in the UK full of confidence on the back of a career-best win over Jose Ramirez in November.

Neither fighter was willing to overcommit too early and Catterall edged the first two rounds with the cleaner work. The Californian responded well, cutting off the ring, landing jabs and good body shots.

A terrific counter-puncher, southpaw Catterall's approach, while appreciated by purists, does not always lend to the most entertaining of styles.

He landed a great two-punch combination in the sixth round, before his rival returned the favour with a flush right.

Trained by Jamie Moore in Manchester, Catterall was warned for a low blow in the seventh stanza and, as the round drew to a close, his legs dipped after copping a big right from Barboza.

The Catterall faithful turned the volume up a notch when the American hit the canvas in the 11th. He instantly shot up to his feet and protested a slip, with replays showing he fell over Catterall's trailing leg as a jab landed.

Barboza and Catterall both celebrated at the final bell as pundits and ringside reporters shrugged their shoulders and compared contrasting scorecards with the decision too close to call.

The loss was disappointing for Catterall, who was enjoying a golden period in his career. In the past 15 months, he had beaten former world champions Josh Taylor, Jorge Linares and Regis Prograis.

But he came up against an undefeated foe who was motivated by his own pursuit for world honours.

"I want to see him go and fight for the world title, hopefully he beats Teofimo," stated the humble Catterall. "It's straight back to the gym for me."

Catterall missed out on becoming England's first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he lost to Taylor three years ago in Glasgow. Most ringside observers felt he should have been awarded the decision against the Scot. One of the three ringside judges was even demoted by the BBBofC for his lopsided and unrealistic scoring.

Jack Catterall could become one of the few members of the best boxer to never win a world title club, with Luke Campbell, Michael Watson and Herol Graham.