Prediction: Harlem Eubank VS Jack Catterall 2025-07-05
The Great Welterweight Showdown: Catterall vs. Eubank – A Tale of Overconfidence and Undervalued Potential
The Setup
Jack Catterall, the "defensive maestro" with a 28-2 record, faces Harlem Eubank, the 21-0 "family legacy project," in a bout that’s equal parts high stakes and low drama. Catterall’s footwork is smoother than a Manchester United transfer, and his counterpunching is sharper than a Premier League striker’s instincts. Eubank, meanwhile, is the cousin of Chris Eubank Jr., which means he’s got the family pressure of a Netflix documentary and the jab of a man who’s watched too many YouTube tutorials.
The Odds
Let’s get mathy. The decimal odds from DraftKings:
- Catterall: 1.33 (implied probability: 75.19%)
- Eubank: 3.25 (implied probability: 30.77%)
Using the underdog win rate for boxing (assuming ~35%, since MMA is 35% and boxing is its sassy little cousin), we calculate the Expected Value (EV) for both:
- Eubank’s EV: (35% * 3.25) - 1 = 13.75%
- Catterall’s EV: (65% * 1.33) - 1 = -13.55%
The Split the Difference Hack
The bookmakers think Eubank has a 30.77% chance, but history says underdogs win ~35% of the time. That’s a 4.23% gap. Plug that into the EV equation, and Eubank’s value only gets better.
Why Eubank?
- Style vs. Substance: Catterall’s defense is elite, but his "overly cautious approach" (as the user so kindly noted) could let Eubank’s jab and counterpunching dominate. Imagine a chess match where Eubank checks Catterall’s king into a corner.
- Momentum: Eubank’s last fight was a TKO in March. Fresh off the couch (or the ring), he’s got the energy of a man who’s finally getting his due.
- Family Legacy: Chris Eubank Jr. isn’t just a cousin; he’s a shadow Eubank must escape. That pressure could fuel a breakout performance.
Why Not Catterall?
- Overrated Defense: Catterall’s footwork is fancy, but if Eubank lands 3 clean jabs for every 10 Catterall steps, the fight could be a clinic in point-fighting.
- The "Third Loss" Curse: Catterall’s already got two losses. Let’s not give him a third just to satisfy the bookmakers’ need for a narrative.
Injuries/Updates
No major injuries reported. Both fighters are healthy, which is less exciting than it sounds. Eubank’s TKO win in March suggests he’s in peak form, while Catterall’s last fight was in April—so no rust, just a lot of pre-fight press conferences.
The Verdict
Best Bet: Harlem Eubank (+200/3.25)
- EV: 13.75% (positive, baby!)
- Why: The bookmakers are sleepwalking here. Eubank’s 35% historical underdog rate vs. his 30.77% implied probability is a golden ticket. Plus, who doesn’t want to bet against a defensive counterpuncher who’s "too cautious"? It’s like betting against a vegan in a steakhouse.
Final Jeer
If Catterall wins, it’ll be a "typical favorite" snoozer. But if Eubank pulls it off? Suddenly, the bookmakers are the ones getting schooled by a guy named after a bank. Take the underdog. Your wallet—and your sense of justice—will thank you.
P.S. If you’re feeling spicy, throw in a prop bet on "Eubank lands more jabs than Catterall." It’s basically a free win.
Created: July 1, 2025, 5:51 a.m. GMT