As previously reported by The Ring, Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jr. will meet in a high-stakes junior welterweight matchup on February 15 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England on DAZN, co-promoters Matchroom and Golden Boy announced today.

The bout will be a WBO title eliminator, with the winner getting a clear path to clash with current Ring Magazine champion and WBO titleholder Teofimo Lopez Jr.

On Wednesday, the WBO extended the deadline until December 27 for Catterall and Barboza to reach a deal.

Catterall is currently ranked No. 2 by Ring Magazine, Barboza is No. 9.

“I’m looking forward to fighting back in Manchester,” said Catterall. “It was an unbelievable experience opening big time boxing at Co-op Live back in October. I’m looking to do it bigger and better on February 15. I’ve got a great fight in Barboza Jr. I’m glad he finally found his pen. I’m not overlooking him, but I’m ready to smash him to pieces to cement my spot for the WBO world title. I’m geared up for this one.”

Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) is coming off a dominant win against Regis Prograis in October, dropping the former two-time 140-pound titleholder en route to a unanimous decision win in the same hometown venue the Chorley, Lancashire native will be fighting Barbozain . In May, the 31-year-old southpaw Catterall also scored a unanimous decision win against Josh Taylor, avenging the only loss of his 12-year career, a highly disputed split decision defeat to Taylor in 2022.

“I’m looking forward to fighting back in Manchester,” said Jack Catterall. “It was an unbelievable experience opening big time boxing at Co-op Live back in October. I’m looking to do it bigger and better on February 15. I’ve got a great fight in Barboza Jr. I’m glad he finally found his pen. I’m not overlooking him, but I’m ready to smash him to pieces to cement my spot for the WBO World Title. I’m geared up for this one.”

Barboza (31-0, 11 KOs) is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision win in November against former unified junior welterweight champion Jose Ramirez in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was a solid bounceback victory for the 33-year-old native from Los Angeles after a lackluster showing and split decision win against Sean McComb in April.

"I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to take my skills overseas and contribute to my team’s success," said Barboza. "I’m truly excited to do what I do best and make it a meaningful win. To the fans, thank you for your trust and support. I’m looking forward to this.”

Promoters Eddie Hearn and Oscar De La Hoya set aside their personal differences to make the fight happen.

“This is absolutely huge,” said Hearn. “It’s a final eliminator for the WBO world title – and, hopefully, it could even be for the world title if Teofimo Lopez gets out of the way. Jack should already be an undisputed world champion. And there is no better way than to prove that he has earned his place at the very top by beating Arnold Barboza Jr. in what is a fantastic fight in the 140-pound division."

“Arnold Barboza Jr. has been the gatekeeper for so long and I feel so happy for him that he’s finally getting a shot that he deserves,” said De La Hoya. “And hopefully, for the world title if Teofimo Lopez moves up a weight. It will be a great fight. I think Jack Catterall is a terrific fighter. It’s a pick 'em fight and let’s see who wins."