Jack Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) says he’s ready to fight for a world title next following his 12-round unanimous decision win over the always-tough Regis Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) on Saturday night.
(Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom boxing)
The two fighters battled in a strategic, defensive contest, with only two rounds of action involving knockdowns. Two knockdowns scored by Catterall in round nine paved the way to a decision win by the scores of 117-108, 116-109, and 116-109.
Catterall fought on the back foot through most of the fight, retreating whenever the former WBA and WBC light welterweight champion Prograis would go on the attack. It was the type 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’s the best fighter he’s fought and that he deserves a title shot next. Promoter Eddie Hearn said he wants Catterall to challenge the winner of the December 7th fight between IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins.
Catterall said he would like to challenge WBO 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez next, but that’s not likely to happen. Teofimo is with Top Rank, and they would obviously prefer to match him against a more popular fighter who doesn’t move as much as Catterall.
“I wasn’t buzzed. I knew it was a 10-8 round, and I had to get it back,” said Jack Catterall to Matchroom Boxing about being dropped in round five 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 press, but at the same time, you don’t want to go in reckless against a strong fighter like Regis. I want a world title next.
“Jack was just the better man. I’m not going to lie,” said Prograis. He deserves a world title fight. I fought the best of them so far. I think Jack is the best. So, he definitely deserves a world title next.”
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