The boxing world is buzzing with an intriguing development that promises to inject some serious welterweight drama into an otherwise peculiar heavyweight showdown. The news that Jack Catterall and Shakhram Giyasov have agreed to clash for the vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title is, in my opinion, the real headline here. This bout is slated to take place on the undercard of the much-discussed Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven event, scheduled for May 23rd at the majestic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the caliber of fighters involved in this secondary bout. While the main event pits a decorated champion like Usyk against a kickboxing star in Verhoeven, a matchup that has raised more than a few eyebrows, the Catterall-Giyasov contest offers genuine, high-stakes boxing. Personally, I believe this is where the true competitive fire will burn brightest on the night. It’s a testament to the depth of talent in the welterweight division that such a significant title fight can be relegated to undercard status, even if the main event has a unique, almost spectacle-driven appeal.
Shakhram Giyasov, the formidable Uzbek contender, has been relatively quiet since his last outing in April 2025, where he secured a win against Franco Maximiliano Ocampo. His pursuit of a WBA title has been a persistent theme, and it's noteworthy that this opportunity arises after the belt has seen a bit of a merry-go-round, passing through the hands of Jaron Ennis and Rolando “Rolly” Romero. The fact that Giyasov fought on despite the recent tragic loss of his baby daughter speaks volumes about his resilience and dedication to the sport. From my perspective, that level of personal fortitude is something that truly sets athletes apart, and it’s a story that adds a profound layer to his journey.
On the other side, we have Jack Catterall, the English fighter who recently claimed the WBO “global” title by stopping Ekow Essuman. Catterall has been vocal about his aspirations, particularly eyeing a showdown with WBO champion Devin Haney. His original trajectory seemed set for a US-based clash with Jose Ramirez, making his decision to travel to Africa for this WBA title shot all the more significant. In my opinion, this move demonstrates a willingness to take on tough challenges and perhaps a strategic pivot in his career. It’s a bold choice that could redefine his standing in the division.
One thing that immediately stands out is the involvement of the Saudi Arabian financiers who have been instrumental in backing recent high-profile fights for fighters like Romero and Haney. Their presence suggests a significant financial backing for the entire event, and it raises questions about their broader ambitions in the sport. It’s a clear indication of the growing influence of Middle Eastern investment in boxing, a trend that I believe will continue to shape the landscape of major fights for years to come.
Furthermore, the fact that both Catterall and Giyasov are promoted by Matchroom is a crucial detail. This shared promotional banner could very well dictate the composition of the rest of the undercard. It hints at a streamlined approach to building out the event, leveraging existing stable talent to create a cohesive and potentially exciting lineup. What this really suggests is that Matchroom is looking to make a significant statement with this event, not just with the main attraction but with the supporting cast as well.
Ultimately, while the Usyk-Verhoeven main event might be the talking point for its novelty, the Catterall vs. Giyasov bout is, in my view, the true boxing purist’s dream on this card. It’s a clash of two hungry, highly skilled welterweights vying for a significant piece of hardware. If you take a step back and think about it, this fight embodies the kind of competitive fire that boxing fans crave, offering a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of divisional supremacy. It makes me wonder what other gems might be unearthed on this unique Egyptian fight night.
