Eubanks vs. Benn 2 video: Jack Catterall sends Ekow Essuman through the ropes for controversial knockout

The highly anticipated clash, held at a packed Manchester Arena, was a compelling contest leading up to its controversial conclusion. Heading into the fight, Jack Catterall, known for his slick southpaw style and technical prowess, was eager to build on his recent momentum. With a professional record of 31-2 (prior to this fight, now 32-2 as per the original text), Catterall had faced elite competition, most notably a narrow and highly contentious split decision loss to Josh Taylor for the undisputed super lightweight title in February 2022, a fight many believed he won. His career trajectory since then had been focused on rebuilding towards another world title shot, culminating in his capture of the WBO Global Welterweight title, which he defended against Essuman.

Ekow Essuman, on the other hand, entered the ring with an impressive undefeated record of 22-1 (now 22-2), having carved out a reputation as a relentless pressure fighter with formidable durability. The "Engine," as he is known, held the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles, making this a significant step-up in international competition and a chance to truly announce himself on the world stage. Essuman’s disciplined approach and unwavering aggression had seen him overcome various challenges, and he was widely regarded as a tough test for any fighter in the 147-pound division. Both fighters had expressed mutual respect in the pre-fight build-up, acknowledging the high stakes and the potential for a career-defining performance.

From the opening bell, the fight lived up to its billing as a competitive and tactical affair. Catterall, operating out of his southpaw stance, utilized his superior reach and sharp jab to control the early rounds. He moved fluidly, landing crisp combinations and frustrating Essuman’s attempts to close the distance. Essuman, true to form, pressed forward, absorbing Catterall’s shots and constantly looking to work inside. His body attacks were a consistent feature of his offense, aiming to sap Catterall’s energy and mobility in the later rounds. By the middle rounds, Essuman began to find more success, his persistent pressure starting to wear on Catterall. He landed several significant right hands and hooks to the body, visibly slowing Catterall’s movement and forcing him to fight more off the back foot.

As the bout progressed into the championship rounds, the momentum appeared to be shifting. While Catterall had undoubtedly controlled the early exchanges, Essuman’s relentless work rate and increasing effectiveness had made the scoring close. Many ringside observers and pundits had the fight scored tightly, with some leaning towards Catterall on points and others suggesting Essuman’s late surge could steal him the decision if he maintained his pace. Indeed, the narrative had begun to form that Essuman, who needed a strong finish, was gaining ground. According to unofficial punch statistics, Catterall had landed a higher percentage of his power shots in the first half, but Essuman had significantly out-landed him in total punches during rounds 7-10, demonstrating his late-fight rally. The tension was palpable as the fighters entered the penultimate eleventh round, with the outcome hanging in the balance.

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The controversy erupted just over a minute into the eleventh round. Catterall, seeking to reassert his dominance, launched a combination that began with a right hook followed by an uppercut. It was the glancing uppercut that connected, appearing to catch Essuman off balance. Essuman’s feet seemed to tangle, and he momentarily slipped backward, losing his footing. At this precise moment, referee John Latham began to step in, seemingly to break the action, perceiving it as a slip or an entanglement rather than a clean knockdown. However, before Latham could fully intervene and separate the fighters, Catterall seized the opportunity, unleashing a rapid-fire follow-up combination. These punches, landing while Essuman was still recovering his balance and potentially unsighted by the approaching referee, visibly rocked Essuman.

The initial sequence, specifically the timing of the referee’s intervention relative to Catterall’s follow-up shots, immediately drew gasps from the crowd and sparked debate among commentators. Rule 10, Section 4 of the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) regulations, which governs such contests, states that "a boxer shall be deemed down when any part of his body other than his feet is on the floor, or he is hanging helplessly over the ropes, or he is outside the ropes." Crucially, it also outlines procedures for when a boxer slips. The debate centered on whether Essuman was genuinely "down" from the initial punch-and-slip, or merely off-balance, and whether the referee’s delayed and incomplete intervention contributed to Essuman being caught defenseless.

Essuman, displaying incredible fortitude, managed to answer the subsequent count, albeit appearing visibly dazed. Despite the controversial nature of the lead-up, the fight was allowed to continue. Sensing his opponent was hurt and eager to capitalize on the momentum, Catterall pressed his advantage with renewed vigor. He unleashed a barrage of heavy, accurate punches, driving Essuman towards the ropes. With a final, concussive flurry, Catterall hammered Essuman, who, unable to defend himself effectively, collapsed and spilled dramatically through the ropes. Essuman landed face-down, unconscious, on the canvas outside the ring. The referee immediately waved off the contest at 1:47 of Round 11, declaring Catterall the winner by knockout.

The immediate aftermath was a mixture of jubilation for Catterall and his team, and profound concern for Essuman. Medical personnel swiftly attended to Essuman, who thankfully regained consciousness shortly after, though he remained visibly disoriented. The replay of the finishing sequence on the arena screens only intensified the discussion. Pundits and fans were divided, with some arguing that Catterall capitalized on a refereeing error, while others maintained that a fighter must "protect himself at all times" and that Essuman was simply caught in a brutal, albeit chaotic, finishing sequence.

In the post-fight interview, Catterall acknowledged the unusual circumstances but maintained his focus on the victory. "I saw him hurt, and I went for the finish," Catterall stated, appearing to side-step direct comment on the referee’s actions. "You have to take your opportunities in there. It’s a tough sport, and I trained hard for this." Essuman’s trainer, upon checking on his fighter, expressed frustration. "Ekow was caught off guard by the referee stepping in, then not stepping in completely. It was a slip, not a knockdown, and the follow-up punches weren’t fair given the situation," he contended, indicating a potential appeal or review of the decision. Referee John Latham did not offer immediate comment on the incident.

The knockout marked Catterall’s first stoppage victory since April 2019, breaking a streak of eight consecutive decision wins. This significant win not only allowed him to retain his WBO Global Welterweight title but also propelled him further up the world rankings, placing him firmly in contention for a mandatory shot at a major world title in the near future. Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, speaking after the event, hinted at a potential world title eliminator for Catterall later in the year. "Jack showed his class tonight, and he’s ready for the big fights. We’ll be looking at some major names for his next outing, perhaps even a shot at a full world title," Hearn remarked.

For Ekow Essuman, the defeat is a significant setback, marking the first loss of his professional career. While his durability and competitive spirit were on full display, the controversial nature of the stoppage may provide some solace, but the loss will undoubtedly force a reassessment of his path forward. Calls for an immediate rematch are likely to emerge, given the inconclusive nature of the finish and the competitive balance of the fight up to that point. Essuman’s team is expected to formally protest the decision to the British Boxing Board of Control, seeking clarity on the referee’s actions and potentially aiming for a no-contest ruling or a mandatory rematch clause. The welterweight division remains one of boxing’s most competitive, and this dramatic, contentious encounter has only added another layer of intrigue to its landscape.