Catterall eyes title shot post Dubai win

Jack Catterall remains on course for his shot at a world title as he defeated Timo Schwarzkopf on a fantastic #RotundaRumble2 event at Caesars Bluewaters Dubai on Friday night.

The bill, promoted by D4G Promotions in association with MTK Global and Round 10 Boxing Gym, saw Catterall (25-0, 13 KOs) earning the win in the main event as he beat Schwarzkopf (20-4, 12 KOs) by unanimous decision.

The judges scored the bout 99-91, 100-91, 99-92, putting mandatory challenger Catterall on the verge of his crack at the WBO super-lightweight title.

A massive card in Dubai also featured wins for Muhammad Waseem, Thomas Patrick Ward, Vijender Singh, Rohan Date, Fahad Al-Bloushi and many more rising stars, with the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and Amir Khan looking on from ringside.

After his win, Catterall, said, “I’m happy with the victory and it was a great event here in Dubai. Every credit to Schwarzkopf, we both had a lot of notice for the fight and it was nice to get the rounds in.

“He’s been the distance with some top fighters and I expected a tough fight. I made hard work of it a bit, but now I want to move on and be more active. I want to test my abilities against all of the top fighters.”

Meanwhile, Ward, who won convincingly over Mexican Martin Casillas, said, “It was a good fight. He was a tough, strong competitor who had never been stopped before. He kept coming forward and I had to show people I can fight as well as box.

“I dropped him but he grinded out the last minute of the fight so all credit to him. I’d like to thank everybody who came over, Dubai is a beautiful place and I’ve loved being here. You’re going to see a good 2020 from me.”

Date, after his points win over Justice Addy, had this to say: “This is my second six rounder this year and I got the win and that’s all that matters. My opponent had a great chin, but I wanted to show that I’m a level above.

“Boxing in Dubai is on the up and up, and I’ve found a second home out here. I want to move up to 10 and 12 rounds soon and try to get a belt.”

Home hope Bloushi who was making his professional debut as was Sultan Al Nuaimi, said after his first-round knockout win over the Georgian fighter Sandro Tughushi, said, “It’s a big stepping stone for me. This area is growing as a boxing community and I’m glad to be a part of it. Thanks to my family, friends and everyone who came out here.

“I didn’t want to let my emotions get away from the performance. He was an awkward fighter but I got through it, and you can expect fireworks from me in my career.”



Complete results:

Jack Catterall bt Timo Schwarzkopf PTS10

Muhammad Waseem bt Ganigan Lopez PTS8

Thomas Patrick Ward bt Martin Casillas PTS8

Vijender Singh bt Charles Adamu PTS8

Fahad Al Bloushi bt Sandro Tughushi TKO (2:13, Round 1)

Rohan Date bt Justice Addy PTS6

Hasibullah Ahmadi bt Detnarong Omkrathok TKO (2:24, Round 3)

Sultan Al Nuaimi bt Charles Latuperissa TKO (1:53, Round 1)

Abilkhaiyr Shegaliyev bt Muhamad Sebyala PTS8

Jayr Raquinel bt Jack Amisa TKO (50 seconds, Round 1)