The mind games began before the opening bell, when Catterall sent Conor Benn – who was defeated by Harlem’s cousin, Chris Eubank Jr, in their April grudge match – to inspect Eubank’s hand-wrapping.
“Didn’t want to miss this,” Benn quipped during the awkward encounter, before returning to Catterall’s dressing room to report, “[Eubank’s] head has gone”, as the pair embraced.
Inside the ring, Eubank smiled nervously through a tentative opening as Catterall, as expected, edged the early rounds with his superior skill and ring IQ, though without fully imposing himself.
Eubank, who has gained popularity through his appearances on free-to-air television, began to land single shots, but it was apparent he was second best against the more accomplished fighter.
With career wins over Josh Taylor, Jorge Linares, and Regis Prograis, Catterall’s class was clear.
But the pair tumbled to the canvas in the third, and again in a messy sixth. Then came the accidental clash, followed by Eubank striking the back of Catterall’s head.
The home favourite returned to his corner to have the blood wiped away – an action not allowed mid-round.
Perhaps wisely given the severity of the cut, referee Williams then halted the bout at one second into the seventh, prompting boos from a 5,000 strong crowd.
Afterwards, promoter Eddie Hearn dismissed talk of a rematch and said Catterall would be maneuvered back into world title contention.
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