WBO king Maurice Hooker calls out No.1 contender Jack Catterall
WBO No. 1 contender Jack Catterall (23-0-KO12) is eager to meet the challenge laid down by WBO world super-lightweight champion Maurice Hooker (26-0-3) as soon as possible.
Chorley’s unbeaten ‘El Gato’ has held the WBO Inter-Continental super-lightweight title for more than four years and now finally seems set for his hard-earned world title shot. Nine successful defences of the Inter-Continental strap, most notably against hard-hitting Ohara Davies, has landed Catterall the mandatory spot for the Texan's World Boxing Organisation title.
After watching Hooker score a routine points victory over Mikkel Lespierre in Verona, NY, on March 9, Catterall returned home more confident than ever of achieving his lifelong dream by dethroning ‘Mighty Mo’.
Catterall said: “The fight went exactly as I expected it to but it was nice to see Hooker call me out afterwards. It shows he’s willing to face me next and I can’t wait. I’d fight him today if I could.
“I’ve said all along that I have respect for him but I also think that I’m going to beat him and become world champion. It’s as simple as that.
“Hooker’s tall and rangy and he showed he can mix it when he beat Terry Flanagan. I just know I’m a more dynamic fighter and there’s no doubt in my mind I’m going to become world champion when I face him.
“People know me and know I’m not one to talk trash. Some even call me ‘Gentleman Jack’! This is just business. Maurice Hooker has the WBO world title around his waist and my opinion is it should be and will be around my waist very soon.
“I’ve worked long and hard to get here. Now I’m No. 1 contender and have been directly called out by the world champion live on TV. I feel like I’m about to reach the top of the mountain.”
Catterall, who is trained by Jamie Moore, was last in action outpointing Ohara Davies in Leicester back in October, which followed a win over the previously unbeaten Tyrone McKenna just three months prior. Catterall has also held the WBO European and British super-lightweight titles during his six-and-a-half-year career.
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