Arnold Barboza hasn't put together an undefeated record through sheer luck. But even with 31 consecutive wins under his belt, not everyone is impressed, mainly, Jack Catterall.

“I respect his ability but I don’t think he’s a great fighter,” said Catterall during a face-to-face with Catterall while being moderated by promoter Eddie Hearn. “I think he’s average.”

Barboza’s hat was low as Catterall spoke but his eerie smile could still be spotted. In just a few more days, however, the words of both men will no longer matter as they'll headline a Manchester card at Co-op Live Arena. To add even more incentive, the interim WBO junior welterweight title will be on the line.

For Barboza, winning is all he knows. Although he's been productive for the entirety of his career, he’s dealt with protracted stretches of inactivity. In 2024, nevertheless, he fought and won on three separate occasions.

Still, despite looking sharp, Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) has never been impressed with him.

It’s been a long time since Catterall dealt with what he feels were shaky scorecards. With all of the 140-pound marbles on the line, Catterall believes he fought a picture-perfect fight against Josh Taylor in 2022.

As he neurotically waited for the judge's decision, the 31-year-old was incredibly disappointed as he was handed the first loss of his career. Once despondence set in, Catterall eventually dusted himself off and went on a run. Now, with four consecutive victories, including wins over Taylor in their rematch and Regis Prograis, a former two-time champion, Catterall doesn’t believe there is a single 140-pounder in the world that can compete with him.

The Ring’s No. 2 ranked junior welterweight is known as one of the division’s purest boxers. Rarely does he tuck his chin down, meet his opponents in the center of the ring, and look for knockouts. But there’s something about Barboza. Maybe it’s a gut feeling or maybe it’s a weakness he spots. Regardless of his reasoning, when asked if he’ll take his man out before the sound of the final bell, he gave a confident and brief answer.

“100 percent.”