Head clash horror: Jack Catterall wins technical decision against Harlem Eubank

The incident caused a massive cut above Catterall's right eye

Jack Catterall was awarded a technical points decision following a horrific yet accidental clash of heads with Harlem Eubank last night.

In round six the fighters collided leaving Catterall with a sizable gash above his right eye which caused blood to squirt down his face like a fountain.

Despite seemingly being deemed in well-enough condition to continue by the ringside doctor, referee Bob Williams waved the contest off in the seventh round before going to the judge’s scorecards at Manchester Arena.

All three judges scored the fight for Catterall, with cards reading 69-66 twice and 69-65, in what was a technical but largely uneventful bout.

From the first round, Catterall landed the more eye-catching punches, especially with his southpaw jab and straight left hand while Eubank bobbed, weaved, and tried to land the occasional power punch.

In round four, Eubank landed a stiff jab, although he wasn’t able to follow up with a combination of punches to get Catterall’s respect.

Due to the fighters’ styles not gelling, there were also a couple of moments when they came together, tripping over each other and landing on the canvas.

Overall, Catterall was the sharper counter-puncher in the ring and this was enough to emerge victorious against a formerly unbeaten opponent in Eubank who did not experience any moments of significant success.

Catterall, who lost a split-decision to Arnold Barboza in February improved his professional record to 31-2 with 13 KOs and will eye a world title shot at either 140 or 147 lbs.

The Chorley native moved up to welterweight to face Eubank but manager Sam Jones has expressed how Catterall could fluctuate between the divisions depending on where the opportunities present themselves.

As for Eubank, his record becomes 21-1 and he must go back to the drawing board after ultimately failing to make an impact on the world stage.

And the disappointment of Harlem Eubank’s night was arguably compounded by the absence of uncle Chris Eubank Sr and cousin Chris Eubank Jr, both of whom failed to make an appearance on the biggest night of his professional career so far.

However, in the post-fight aftermath, Harlem Eubank has directed his frustration towards Carl Frampton whom he accused of coaching Catterall during the contest.

Besides, expressing how the bout finishing via technical decision robbed him of the opportunity to ramp up the pressure on Catterall late in the fight and go for a knockout.

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