From laying tarmac to the Pyramids of Giza

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before he was a world champion, Jack Catterall worked a job laying tarmac to fund his boxing sessions. This journey from a working-class upbringing in Lancashire to capturing international titles illustrates the grueling physical and financial reality behind professional combat sports.

Born in Chorley in 1993 as one of nine children, Jack Catterall's path to elite athletics was defined by early multi-sport experience. Before committing to boxing at age 10, he trained in judo and wrestling. His amateur career was prolific, compiling a record of 48–18 and securing a CYP National title. However, the transition to professional status required significant personal sacrifice; Catterall balanced his training with a public services college course and manual labor as a tarmac layer to finance his gym costs.

Catterall's professional ascent was marked by rapid regional success in the UK. After debuting in 2012, he secured several titles, including the British light-welterweight title in 2017, which he vacated shortly after to pursue global honors. His trajectory included high-profile victories over notable opponents like Tom Stalker and various WBO regional champions. A pivotal moment in his career occurred in late 2021 when he set up a massive undisputed championship fight against Josh Taylor, following a complex series of 'step-aside' deals involving unified champions.

The rivalry with Taylor served as a defining narrative for Catterall. After losing a controversial split decision in early 2022, Catterall secured a definitive victory in a May 2024 rematch in Leeds. His career continued to evolve through weight classes, including a technical unanimous decision win against Harlem Eubank in July 2025 and a knockout of Ekow Essuman in November 2025. By May 2026, Catterall reached a pinnacle of the sport by defeating Shakhram Giyasov at the Pyramids of Giza to claim the vacant WBA Regular welterweight title.

Catterall's career highlights the 'stay-busy' strategy often used by mandatory challengers. Between 2019 and 2020, he fought several opponents specifically to maintain activity while waiting for sanctioned unification bouts. His journey underscores the endurance required not just in the ring, but in navigating the bureaucratic and logistical hurdles of international boxing.

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