Jorge Linares isn’t the spry young fighter that he once was. At the age of 38, he’s seen better days. Yet, even with three consecutive losses underneath his belt, the now fringe contender isn’t interested in hanging up his gloves.
On October 21st, the Linares train will carry on. On the night, Jack Catterall will look to extend his losing streak. Having been born nearly a decade before Linares, Catterall, at times, can’t believe that he’s on the verge of facing someone he’s revered for an incredibly long amount of time.
By and large, Catterall isn’t the star-struck type. In his mind, we’re all the same. However, Linares (47-8, 27 KOs) is a different animal. His championship reigns, fast hands, and deceptive power are all traits Catterall admires. But while he could sit back for hours and praise Linares, come October 21st, that respect will be thrown out the window.
“I’ve grown up watching Linares,” Catterall told Matchroom Boxing. “I classify him as a modern-day legend. I’ve got massive respect for him but business is business.”
Linares, despite his credentials, isn’t the fighter he once was. No longer is he considered one of the super lightweight division’s elite. Catterall, on the other hand, is of that ilk. Although a controversial loss to Josh Taylor continues to haunt him, he’s hoping to either line up a rematch with his longtime rival or face the likes of Regis Prograis, Subriel Matias, or Devin Haney.
Matchups against those current world champions and highly ranked contenders light a fire underneath him. Nevertheless, Catterall is keeping those hypothetical showdowns far away from his mind. If he expects to eventually face those very names, he knows good and well that he needs to shine in a major way against Linares.
“You can’t overlook Linares. You can talk about all these exciting fights in the division but they mean nothing if I don’t put on a good performance.”