Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn admitted Team Catterall had grown frustrated waiting for bigger opportunities to materialize.
“We’re waiting for Haney. He’s mandatory for him. And then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, this opportunity came up, and it’s a real great fight for both,” said Eddie Hearn to iFL TV.
“Giyasov’s a tremendous fighter. Well avoided. So is Jack. But he’s in the stage in his career where he basically wants to fight anybody.
“Sometimes when you get to number one, there’s always one in between. And that’s the hardest thing to do. This opportunity came up, and when this opportunity come about, couldn’t say no.”
Catterall made it clear he no longer wants inactivity while waiting for title fights or negotiations to sort themselves out.
“I’m not prepared now at my age and feeling good. I’m feeling great. I don’t want to be sat waiting for the fights. We’ve got to make it happen,” said Catterall.
“This is everything for me. Nothing lies beyond Saturday night. I’ve got to come here Saturday and put on a spectacle.”
The 31-year-old also admitted that the loss to Arnold Barbosa Jr. changed part of his approach heading into this fight.
“I can’t afford to leave anything to the judges,” said Catterall to Boxing News.
“There’s lessons all the time in the gym, out the gym, in the fights. A lot of time to reflect and watch stuff back. I’ve had plenty of time to work on myself.”
Catterall says he now feels fully settled at welterweight after moving up from 140.
“This will be the third fight at welterweight. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling strong,” said Catterall.
“I’ve grown into the weight. It’s not just a case of an easier weight cut. I feel big and strong at welterweight now.”
The former undisputed junior welterweight challenger also hinted fans could again see the more aggressive version he showed in his last fight against Eko Essuman.
“I know I’ve got it in me,” said Catterall.
“I feel like being out the last gym, a change of scenery, reminding myself, and I know I’ve got me to do it Saturday.”
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