Sport

Jack Catterall set for all-British bout in Manchester this summer

Who are you backing?

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 19th May 2025

Local fighter Jack Catterall is returning to Manchester for his latest fight against compatriot Harlem Eubank in what is sure to be a brilliant night for British boxing.

The all-English face-off between Catterall and Eubank will be the 33rd bout of the Chorley-born boxer’s career, returning to our city to hopefully get back to winning ways.

‘El Gato’s last appearance in the ring came against American Arnold Barboza Jr., in which he registered just his second-ever defeat on a debut visit to Co-op Live back in February, losing via split decision.

Now looking for redemption, the 31-year-old has sized up another member of the Eubank boxing dynasty, with Harlem still undefeated in 21 fights. They’ve already exchanged what we can only assume were a few spicy words:

The cousin of Chris Eubank Jr. and nephew of Eubank Sr., Harlem is one of several members of the family to have found their way into combat sports.

Harlem, also 31, turned pro back in 2017 and has quietly been building a consistent and thus far flawless record, with nine knockouts to his name.

Speaking ahead of the match-up, Catterall said: “This is another huge domestic fight that I can really sink my teeth into. “I’m eager to put on a big performance and make a statement in my first fight up at welterweight. The Eubank name is hot at the moment but I’m ready to put the fire out in style.”

Meanwhile, his opponent replied: “This is a fight that’s been on my radar for a long time, and I’m delighted it’s finally happening. Jack is a world-class fighter and, in my view – and many others’ – a former undisputed champion.

“These are the elite-level match-ups I’ve been calling for, and make no mistake, I’m ready.”

While many are arguing this is somewhat of a step down for Catterall, this will be the biggest fight of Eubank’s career yet, who has also called out fellow welterweight Conor Benn.

As for Catterall, who just missed out on becoming England’s first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he suffered his first loss to Josh Taylor back in 2022, he’ll just be glad to be back in action and will go in as the favourite.

The pair of UK fighters are scheduled to fight on Tuesday, 5 July at Manchester’s AO Arena, where so many iconic fights have been held in the past.

For those of you looking to grab tickets for Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank, you have two opportunities to grab early access, firstly through the venue’s own presale window and secondly for Three+ members – both of which go live at 10am on Tuesday, 20 May.

As for general admission, seats will be available from the same time on Wednesday, 10am. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.

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Featured Images — Press Shots (supplied)iFL TV (screenshot via YouTube)

Sport

Oldham Athletic sign manager Micky Mellon’s son, Michael, on loan for the season

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Oldham Athletic FC have signed boss Micky Mellon’s son, Michael Mellon, on loan just in time for deadline day.

The legendary Scottish manager has been with Oldham since October 2023 (the first Greater Manchester club on his impressive pyramid-spanning CV), and helped them return to the football league after 34 years.

He’s already a bit of an EFL legend, boasting a staggering nine promotions with seven different teams, so there are few decisions he could make that would displease most supporters, even if there may or may not be a slight whiff of nepotism in the eyes of some.

Once again, the majority couldn’t care less, especially in a sport where the romantics amongst us imagine even the slightest hint of talent dripping down the bloodline; either way, fan favourite Micky’s son, Michael, has joined the Latics on loan for 2025/26.

Officially announced on Monday, 1 September, with just hours left of deadline day, 21-year-old Michael Mellon joins Oldham Athletic on a temporary deal as the Greater Manchester side looks to inject more goals into their recently promoted squad.

Taking part in their first League Two campaign in more than three decades, they’re hoping to bolster their ranks with enough firepower to stay in the division, with Mellon senior hoping to awaken what he dubbed a “sleeping monster of a club.”

Confirmed as the 14th signing so far this summer – many of those coming in the form of free agents picked up on their way out of the National League – the young centre-forward began his career as part of the Manchester United academy.

Going on to join Burnley at 16, Mellon has gone on to be considered one of the brightest prospects among the Clarets’ academy, and will be hoping to get more even minutes this term.

They also teased his signing in one of the most silly but satisfying transfer reveal videos we’ve seen during this transfer window.

Mellon Jr has enjoyed loan spells at Morecambe, Dundee United, fellow local outfit Stockport County and Bradford City since joining his parent club back in 2019 – having spent the most time with the Shrimps, where he scored his first professional hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Wimbledon in 23/24.

Scoring 15 times in 27 appearances for them, he was recalled by Burnley back in January 2024, but is now set to be given the nod in his father’s senior team. Commenting on Oldham signing his son, Micky Mellon’s reponse was this: “We believe we’ve brought in a striker who is different to the ones we’ve got.

“Michael has always been a goalscorer – yes, he’s my son, but we’ve brought him in to help us win games of football and that’s the sole reason. He’s physical, technically very good and has the ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

“He’s had a bit of a tough time with injury lately, but he looks like he’s grown through that, and we can get the best version of Michael. He had a lot of interest, but he believes Oldham [Athletic] is the best place for him to play his football this season.

“He’s seen what Boundary Park is like when it’s full and roaring, the decision has been his to make, and he’s picked Oldham.” Excited by this one, Owls?

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Featured Images — Oldham Athletic via X/TNT Sports Football (screenshot via YouTube)

Sport

Manchester United reach ‘total agreement’ for new signing amid ongoing goalkeeping drama

Danny Jones Danny Jones Senne Lammens to Man United deal done

Manchester United are said to have reached a complete agreement for the transfer of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, as their trouble in the crucial position continues.

The Belgian shot-stopper, who currently plays for Royal Antwerp FC, emerged as a target a few weeks ago after yet more errors in between the sticks for Man United.

In addition to André Onana having developed a reputation for making mistakes in net for the Red Devils, rotation keeper, Altay Bayındır, has also recorded errors of his own, including gifting Burnley their equaliser this past weekend (Saturday, 30 September).

Although the club are said to have been working on a deal for some time, it now looks as though the pair could soon play second fiddle to a new number one in Lammens, who is set to sign a five-year deal with United imminently.

Still just 23, not only does he fit the younger age profile of the players that both Ruben Amorim and Man United’s recruitment department are looking to bed in, but he’s already thrown up some impressive stats in his career thus far.

The former Club Brugge youth only made his Royal Antwerp debut back in November 2023, but went on to win the Belgian Super Cup as part of the side and has now made a total of 64 appearances.

United were also being linked with a more experienced and Premier League-proven alternative in Emi Martinez; however, the move was reportedly abandoned after Aston Villa were unwilling to sign their inbound new MUFC loanee, Jadon Sancho, on a permanent and potential swap deal.

Many are arguing it could also be some fancy footwork and transfer posturing from INEOS.

Lammens faced a total of 20 more shots than any other goalkeeper in Europe’s top 10 leagues last season, and as per expert statistician and tactical commentator ‘Statman Dave’ O’Brien, he prevented goals at a better rate than club legend David de Gea did in his record-breaking 17/18 season.

For anyone wondering why they went after him, some will say the numbers speak for themselves.

Others will point out that there is a gulf in quality between the Belgian first division and the Premier League.

Man United are said to be paying Antwerp a fee of roughly £18.2 million plus add-ons for Lammens’ services, with summer signing number five having already been pictured boarding a private jet in Belgium ahead of his flight to Manchester.

It is thought that Amorim could hold on to both Onana and Altay as part of his wider squad, with some room for rotation still alive as his team are still in the FA Cup, especially given that it remains to be seen how Lammens will take to life in English football.

Some fans have even been calling for back-up Tom Heaton to be brought into the starting lineup for now after looking like a safe pair of hands on this year’s pre-season tour. Regardless, Lammens’ arrival will surely see at least one set of gloves leaving Old Trafford if not in this window, then come January.

Reds will be both glad and somewhat concerned to hear that academy product Kobbie Mainoo asked to leave on loan before deadline day after questions over his playing time.

Kobbie Mainoo asked Manchester United for a loan away – and the club rejected him
The talented fan favourite feels he needs more minutes – do you agree?

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Featured Images — Royal Antwerp (screenshots via YouTube)

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