EL GATO POUNCES LATE TO BOOK HIMSELF A WORLD TITLE SHOT

Written By George Ripton

Jack Catterall overcame a slow start to drop former two-time world champion Regis Prograis twice on his way to a unanimous decision victory over the American.

Originally delayed due to a rib injury sustained by Catterall earlier this year, the fight finally took place, and after a tentative start from both fighters, it ultimately lived up to expectations.

The first four rounds were cagey, with neither fighter willing to take early risks and throw combinations—understandable given the power both warriors possess. Prograis appeared twitchy while Catterall was patient, as both sought to establish their southpaw jabs without either asserting dominance.

The fight truly came alive in the fifth round. Prograis took the ascendency and became the first man to drop Catterall, amateur or pro, though it seemed more like a slip from the Chorley native. Nonetheless, a punch landed, and Catterall’s glove touched the canvas, making it a legitimate knockdown.

That knockdown seemed to ignite a fire in Catterall, as the fight was slowly slipping away from him.

Though Prograis looked more relaxed, his body language suggesting he was in control, Catterall began finding more success with his thudding jab. His confidence visibly grew with each exchange.

Prograis continued to set the pace in rounds seven and eight, but Catterall began planting his feet more, throwing combinations. However, it was in round nine that the most pivotal moment of the fight occurred.

In another closely contested round, Catterall landed a beautiful left hand off a southpaw one-two combination, sending Prograis crashing to the canvas.

Remarkably, the former world champion got back to his feet and seemed clear-headed, but sensing an opportunity, Catterall secured a second knockdown just as the bell rang to end the round.

Prograis recovered well in round 10, with Catterall unwilling to overcommit, knowing the American still possessed dangerous power.

Round nine had completely shifted the fight’s momentum. Catterall now exuded confidence, and it felt as though it was his fight to lose.

Prograis knew he needed a knockout, but the two heavy knockdowns appeared to have sapped his energy, allowing Catterall to comfortably win the final three rounds.

The official scorecards read 117-108, 116-109, and 116-109, with Catterall declared the winner, improving his record to 30-1.

This victory almost certainly guarantees Catterall his long-awaited world title shot, following the controversial night in Glasgow back in February 2022—an event 99% of boxing fans have not forgotten.

Matchroom's Liam Paro is set to defend his IBF world title against fellow Matchroom fighter Richardson Hitchins later this year, and it is expected that Catterall will get a shot at the winner. However, a certain Mr. Teofimo Lopez may fancy a trip to 0161, especially considering his ongoing contract dispute with Top Rank.

Whatever comes next for Catterall, he has earned his stripes and is undoubtedly deserving of a world title shot after his recent performances.

On the undercard, there was last-minute drama as the co-main event between Reece Bellotti and Mikey Gomez Jr. was called off due to Gomez Jr. falling ill in the dressing room.

James Flint once again showcased his class, securing his second win over Campbell Hatton after their earlier clash this year. There were also victories for Pat McCormack, Junaid Bostan, Stephen Clarke, Joe McGrail, William Crolla, and Emily Whitworth.

George Ripton
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