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The welterweight division is brimming with potential yet plagued by inactivity among its top fighters. This stagnation could reshape the landscape of boxing as fans await long-anticipated matchups.
Currently, stars like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Rolly Romero remain sidelined, with Garcia eyeing a potential clash with Conor Benn, who hasn't fought at 147 since 2022. Meanwhile, WBA champion Romero hasn't stepped into the ring since capturing his title over a year ago, and Haney's last bout dates back to November.
Jack Catterall, set to fight Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA "regular" title this Saturday, expresses his frustration over the slow pace of high-stakes fights. "It's frustrating for me, the whole division, for boxing, for the fans," he states. With all major players still in their athletic primes—Garcia, Haney, Benn, and Romero are all under 30—the urgency for action increases.
Catterall emphasizes the need for more frequent fights to invigorate the division, stating, "It would be nice to see the guys at the top get more active." He acknowledges the complexities of boxing politics but insists on the importance of delivering exciting matchups for fans and fighters alike.
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