SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDERS COLLIDE IN AN ALL-OR-NOTHING BATTLE IN MANCHESTER
Two of the best super-lightweights collide in Manchester this weekend as fan-favorite Jack Catterall takes on former WBC World champion Regis Prograis in a showdown that promises fireworks.
Originally scheduled for August but postponed due to a training injury sustained by Catterall, the pair will finally face off in one of the most highly anticipated fights on British soil this year.
Aside from the main event, we’ll also take a look at some of the key undercard bouts, starting with Campbell Hatton, who seeks redemption in a rematch against James Flint.
James Flint vs. Campbell Hatton
This rematch follows their clash back in March, where Campbell Hatton, son of former world champion Ricky Hatton, suffered the first loss of his career at the hands of James Flint.
Since that fight, Campbell has made significant changes, relocating down south to train under the guidance of Ben Davison, Lee Wylie, and Barry Smith.
Flint hasn’t had an easy road either. He narrowly lost to Kyle Boyd in a split decision this past June, in a fight many expected him to win. Both men now aim to return to winning ways.
In their first fight, Flint’s experience appeared to overwhelm Hatton, who may have taken a step too far too soon. However, with a new team behind him and lessons learned from the loss, expect a much-improved Campbell Hatton this time. It wouldn’t be surprising if he avenges his defeat and comes out on top.
Pat McCormack vs. Williams Herrera
Next on the card is Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Pat McCormack, who returns after more than a year out of the ring to face Argentina’s Williams Herrera.
After five fights in his first 16 months as a professional, McCormack has been out of action for nearly 16 months, but he has already shown he has the talent to become a world champion.
Herrera, known to UK boxing fans for going seven rounds with Paddy Donovan in Belfast earlier this year, holds an impressive record of 16 wins from 19 professional contests. He cannot be underestimated.
Expect McCormack to start cautiously as he shakes off any ring rust, while Herrera will likely come out strong and try to set the pace early. However, McCormack’s superior skills and ringcraft should ultimately be too much for the Argentine, and he may secure a late stoppage.
Reece Bellotti vs. Michael Gomez Jr.
In the chief support to the main event, a resurgent Reece Bellotti defends his British & Commonwealth Super-Featherweight titles against Manchester’s own Michael Gomez Jr.
Once considered one of the biggest prospects in British boxing, Bellotti endured five defeats in seven fights between 2018 and 2021. Since then, he’s turned his career around, notching five consecutive victories, including wins over Youssef Khoumari, Aqib Fiaz, Liam Dillon, and Liam Giles. At 33, he’s enjoying the form of his life.
Gomez Jr., the son of Manchester boxing legend Michael Gomez, has taken a more understated path. Mostly fighting on smaller shows, he’s picked up Central Area and English titles, and his stoppage win over the durable Kane Baker in his last fight was a career-best performance.
This fight could go either way. Bellotti brings more experience, having fought in 10 title fights compared to Gomez’s two, but Gomez has youth and freshness on his side.
Bellotti will look to grind Gomez down with his pressure and power, aiming for a late stoppage. Gomez, on the other hand, will need to box smart, move well, and perhaps fight a bit rough to disrupt Bellotti’s rhythm.
One thing is for sure: this clash of styles has the potential to steal the show.
Jack Catterall vs. Regis Prograis
Now for the main event: Jack Catterall vs. Regis Prograis—a fight that has been brewing for quite some time. The two first crossed paths in early 2022, and nearly three years later, they finally go head-to-head.
Catterall is coming off the biggest win of his career, avenging his controversial loss to arch-rival Josh Taylor, the same man who defeated Prograis in 2019.
Meanwhile, Prograis lost his world title to Devin Haney in December last year. Despite questions about whether the 34-year-old American is on the decline, it’s worth noting that Prograis went on a five-fight unbeaten run before facing the generational talent that is Haney.
It’s far too early to write off Prograis. Win or lose, he remains a serious contender in the sport, and it would be unwise to bet against him earning another world title shot in the future.
On paper, this fight can’t help but deliver. Both men are southpaws who love to trade punches and engage in toe-to-toe battles. Both have proven they can maintain a high pace for 12 rounds. This is a fight that every boxing fan should be excited about.
For Catterall to win, he needs to keep the fight at mid-range, where he thrives. Prograis, known for breaking down opponents with body shots before attacking upstairs, will try to wear Catterall down physically and mentally.
Catterall cannot let that happen. He needs to frustrate Prograis, similar to how Haney did, albeit Haney fought more on the back foot.
For Prograis, disrupting Catterall’s rhythm early is key. Catterall feeds off his own success in the ring, and the more confident he gets, the more dangerous he becomes. Prograis must use his championship experience to set the tempo early and force Catterall to adapt.
One thing is certain: the winner of this fight will cement their position as the #1 contender in the 140lbs division.