Jack Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) says he is ready to fight for a world title next following his 12-round unanimous decision win over the ever-tough Regis Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) on Saturday night.
(Credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom boxing)
The two fighters fought in a strategic and defensive contest, with only two rounds of action involving takedowns. Two knockdowns scored by Catterall in round nine paved the way for a decision victory with scores of 117-108, 116-109 and 116-109.
Catterall fought on the back foot for most of the fight, retreating whenever the former WBA and WBC welterweight champion Prograis went on the attack. It was the kind of fight that ultra-hardcore boxing fans love to watch. Prograis lacked the foot speed to chase Catterall around the ring, resulting in little action.
Prograis complimented Catterall after the fight, saying he was the best fighter he fought and deserved a title shot afterwards. Promoter Eddie Hearn has said he wants Catterall to challenge the winner of the December 7 fight between IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins.
Catterall said he would like to challenge WBO 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez next, but that is not likely to happen. Teofimo is with Top Rank, and they obviously prefer to match him against a more popular fighter who doesn’t move as much as Catterall.
“I wasn’t blown away. I knew it was 10-8, and I had to get back,” said Jack Catterall to Matchroom Boxing to be dropped in the fifth round by Regis Prograis tonight. “You have to be disciplined. You can’t take too many risks.
“After that strong round, I know I needed to push, but at the same time, you don’t want to go reckless against a strong fighter like Regis. I want a world title next.
“Jack was just the best man. I’m not going to lie,” Prograis said. He deserves a world title fight. I have fought the best of them so far. I think Jack is the best. So he definitely deserves a world title next.”
