Boxing
Is Catterall in world title last-chance saloon against Giyasov?
Usyk vs. Verhoeven: Only on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Jack Catterall will hope to build a bridge towards finally ticking major silverware off his bucket list on Saturday night in Egypt.
The former undisputed light-welterweight title challenger takes on Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA (Regular) welterweight title.
One of the standout British fighters of his generation, the Chorley fighter has so often come close to reaching the promised land.
DAZN FACE OFF: Usyk vs. Verhoeven
Watch dramatic clash here
But his two career reverses - a contentious title call against Josh Taylor, and then last year against Arnold Barboza Jr. - were tough to swallow.
The star is already speaking about hopes to earn the full WBA crown against Rolly Romero, should he get past Giyasov next.
Yet, as he prepares for this critical crunch clash, the question remains - could this be the last-chance saloon for his ambitions?
What are Catterall's prior world title fortunes?
Catterall has come close - agonisingly so - to sealing his name on the sport's honour roll before, most famously back in 2022.
Then, he challenged undefeated light-welterweight title holder Taylor in Glasgow for the champion's clean sweeps of crowns.
The star felt he did enough over the distance, only to come up short in a stunning split-decision call that gave his foe the win.
By the time Catterall avenged himself two years later in Leeds, Taylor no longer had the belts and only pride to offer his rival.
Last year's loss to Barboza Jr. too cost Catterall a shot at WBO champion Teofimo Lopez, leading him to ultimately switch divisions.
Will Catterall get a full world title shot if he wins?
By the star's own suggestion, a victory for the WBA's junior title in Egypt puts a ticking clock on full champion Romero's move.
The winner of Catterall's bout with Giyasov effectively becomes the leading contender to face him within a certain timeframe.
(Matchroom Boxing)
Romero has not fought since he upset an out-of-sorts Ryan Garcia in Times Square last May though, raising some key questions.
The Las Vegas fighter was reportedly eyeing a unification bout with WBO champion Devin Haney, or a defence against Conor Benn.
With no other bout yet to materialise now, he will face a race to secure another option if he does not want Catterall or Giyasov.
What are Catterall's options if he loses?
Should the Briton fail to topple his unbeaten foe in north-east Africa this weekend, matters become murkier for his title-chasing hopes.
Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
Having been the WBO's leading contender behind Haney for several months, Catterall is theoretically the top challenger in line there.
But the American has been seemingly uninterested in a bout, and a defeat would surely facilitate a tumble down the rankings to follow.
Thirty-two years old, Catterall is not at the end of his career yet - but he will be approaching the point where his future will be questioned.
Should he come up short here - especially if it is a bad loss - then he will likely need to take a long, hard look in the mirror on his next move.
Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven only on DAZN
Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
