Jack Catterall ‘I Would Never Look Past This Fight Or Disrespect Jorge’

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing hosted the final press conference before Jack Catterall (27-1, 13 KOs) and Jorge Linares (47-9, 29 KOs) weigh in tomorrow afternoon ahead of their junior welterweight fight on Saturday night. The two competitors seem ready to give it their all, but Linares appears to be the one that needs this fight the most as he is now 38, and father time is catching up to him quickly.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman

“It’s a thrill to be back in this great city as part of an incredible run of events coming up to the end of 2023. Just yesterday we were in San Francisco for the press conference for Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis and the WBC World Super-Lightweight Title, we cannot wait for that fight on December 9, but this week we’re here with what should be the undisputed World Champion against the ‘Brit Destroyer’ Jorge Linares, live on DAZN around the world with an incredible undercard too.”

Jack Catterall

“The fact that Jorge has been over here a number of times means that fans here are familiar with him, thats helped to sell the fight. When I got the call and was told it was Jorge next, it kicked me into action, it’s an exciting name who has been there and got the t-shirt, he’s had his time in the sun and now it’s my time.

“It excited me that he’s back training with Ismael Salas, that’s made me train extra hard at home. I put pressure on myself, he’s been a three-time World Champion, I would never look past this fight or disrespect Jorge. I think he understands that the winner of this fight puts themselves in the picture for much bigger fights.

“I set out in this sport to be World Champion. We haven’t achieved that yet but I do believe I have the ability to do it. We’ve had conversations about a number of fights in the future but all of that means nothing without beating Jorge on Saturday.”

Jorge Linares

“I have a lot of beautiful memories of fighting in England, in London with Kevin Mitchell and two times in Manchester with Anthony Crolla. This is a different time and opponent, I feel I am fighting an undefeated fighter, for me, Catterall is a World Champion, he didn’t lose the fight against Josh Taylor.

“So this is a big night for me, I am close to retirement, I’m coming in great shape, better than the other times I’ve come to England, I feel like a 20 year old. I’m excited and super excited to be here. I don’t like talking too much, but I am excited to have a great fight with Jack.

“I’m coming off three losses but I don’t think about that, I know I’m in with a great fighter but I’ve been here before and have had a great camp.”

Abraham Gonzalez

Abraham Gonzalez is the founder of FightsATW. His journalistic work has been published and used across several platforms to include online, network TV and promotional companies. He is an American Public University alumnus and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). Abraham was the Managing Editor for NYFights, Big Fight Weekend, contributed to FanSidedMMA and ProBoxTV.

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