Jack Catterall is looking to crush any creeping doubt that he doesn't belong among the world's best.

After consecutive wins against faded versions of Jorge Linares, Josh Taylor, and Regis Prograis, Catterall suffered a split decision loss last time out at home in February against Arnold Barboza Jr.

Catterall (30-2, 13 KOs) will get his bounce-back opportunity July 5 when the Chorley, Lancashire native takes on fellow Brit Harlem Eubank (21-0, 9 KOs) at the AO Arena in Manchester, kicking off his campaign as a welterweight contender in the clash.

"I find myself in a position where my back is against the wall coming off a defeat," Catterall said during a press conference announcing the fight last month. "I've been working on myself since the fight. I took myself to America to do a lot of sparring. I've come home and I knuckled down to training.

"When the phone rang and they presented Harlem, it was a yes. It's always been a yes. I've never turned down any fights. What excites me about this fight is the domestic fights. They're the fights that, throughout my career, I've probably performed my best. The pressure is on but I think I thrive under the pressure. Coming off a defeat I've got to go in there and perform and prove that I belong at this level."

Catterall's trainer Jamie Moore credited his charge's work ethic and commitment as determining factors to outlast Eubank, who hasn't completed a full 12-rounder in his career.

"His attitude has always been bulletproof. He's always been that one-track-mind type of fighter," said Moore. "It's not an easy fight, but at 31 years old, coming into his peak years he doesn't want to be looking backward and getting an easier fight. People have questioned whether Harlem is going to be able to make this step up, but at some point in your career you have to take that step up. You either sink or swim. In my opinion, Jack Catterall will beat him because he's too good."

The level of competition eight-year pro Eubank has faced can't compare to Catterall, however. Eubank last beat Tyrone McKenna in March by 10th-round technical knockout.

This is a considerable step-up, facing a former world title challenger and one who, much like himself, was previously campaigning in the division directly below. He's under no illusions about the size of the task ahead.

"This is the opportunity that I've been training for since I came into the sport," Eubank said.

"Jack is a world-class operator, proven it time and time again. Now is my opportunity to go in there, show people I'm ready to win a world title. Jack is the type of fighter I need to overcome to fulfill my ambitions in the sport. We're prepared, ready, know how good he is - this isn't about that, it's about how good I am, and I'm ready to show the world.

"This is the time the fight was meant to happen. I believe Jack is in the best form of his life, just coming off a defeat at the highest level. He's taken himself to America, we're going to see the best version of him in there on July 5th and that's the man I'm ready to overcome."