Jack Catterall Overcomes Knockdown to Defeat Regis Prograis in Manchester

On October 26, at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, Jack Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) overcame a knockdown to defeat Regis Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) by unanimous decision in their 12-round super lightweight bout, with the judges scorecards reading 117-108 and 116-109 x2. Their fight was the main event of the Matchroom Boxing card shown globally on DAZN.

Jack Catterall Defeats Regis Prograis in Manchester

Catterall vs. Prograis Fight Recap

The opening round saw a cagey start from both fighters – with Prograis the more aggressive on the front foot, but overall a quiet opener. The second round saw the Chorley man work well off his jab before his American opponent landed a good left hand at the end of the round.

The third was a quiet affair with plenty of posturing before Catterall landed a short, sharp left hand, which was by far the best punch up to that point. At the end of the fifth, a straight shot from Prograis seemed to catch the Brit off balance with the referee scoring it a knockdown.

Over the next couple of rounds, “Rougarou” continued to be the aggressor, with the more cute work from the British fighter. It was a difficult fight to score at this point and could come down to what the judges like. The eighth round was a better one for the Chorley fighter as he let his hands go, landing impressive combinations. Up to this point, it’s been a difficult watch with plenty of posturing from both.

Read More: Jack Catterall Eyes WBO Title Shot After Regis Prograis Clash

The fight exploded in the ninth, with the Chorley fighter landing a beautiful left hand which knocked his American opponent down. Catterall smelt blood and soon landed a short left hand knocking Prograid down for a second time at the end of the round, with the bell saving “Rougarou.”

The noise from the crowd markedly increased following those ninth-round knockdowns. Catterall mostly controlled the distance well during the next couple of rounds and was on top in the close-up exchanges. In the final round, the Chorley fighter controlled the tempo well and picked his punches smartly.

It was a tough watch in the first half of the fight but Catterall was the better fighter in the second half of the contest. Both men gathered in the middle of the ring and the judge’s scorecards were read, 117-108 and 116-109 x2 all favouring “El Gato.” This vital win gave Catterall the vacant WBO international super lightweight title.

Post Fight Quotes

In the post-fight interview, Catterall was understandably happy and paid tribute to his opponent: “Yeah, I am pleased. It was a big occasion, a big event.” He continued: “He’s a hell of a fighter. Two-time world champion.”

Catterall added: “We had to stay disciplined. You don’t want to go in reckless against a fighter like Regis.”

Regis Prograis also spoke after the fight and said: “Listen, Jack was just better. He was the better man.”

Read More: Jack Catterall Defeats Jorge Linares In Dominant Style

The American added in tribute to his opponent: “I’ve fought the best of them and he’s the best.”

Eddie Hearn spoke on what’s next for “El Gato” and said: “Right Hand on God, World Title shot next.”

Hearn continued: “I would love to bring Teofimo Lopez to Manchester and give him a good ar*e kicking!”

Undercard

*On the live DAZN broadcast, it was announced that Reece Bellotti vs. Michael Gomez Jr. was cancelled due to Gomez Jr. being taken ill in the dressing room.

James Flint (15-2-2, 3 KOs) and Campbell Hatton (14-2, 5 KOs) met again with Flint once again victorious, winning their super lightweight fight by unanimous decision with the judge’s scorecards reading 97-94, 96-94 and 96-95.

Pat McCormack (6-0, 4 KOs) returned from a long layoff to defeat Williams Andres Herrera (16-4, 7 KOs) in their welterweight contest with all three judges scoring the fight 100-90. McCormack is now the WBA intercontinental welterweight champion.

Junaid Bostan (10-0, 8 KOs) once again showed his clear promise, stopping Maico Sommariva (9-5-1, 8 KOs) with a vicious left uppercut to the body in the third round of the super welterweight contest.

Before the Bell

Ste Clarke (5-0, 1 KO) mostly dominated Mateusz Pawlowski (2-2, 1 KO) in their six-round middleweight bout, winning 60-54 on the referee’s scorecard.

William Crolla (6-0, 5 KOs) once again showcased his power as he destroyed Lorenzo Grasso (6-3, 1 KO), stopping him in the first round of their super welterweight fight.

Joe McGrail (11-0, 5 KOs) overcame a tough and determined Lewis Morris (8-3, 1 KO), winning their eight-round featherweight contest 79-72.

Emily Whitworth (1-0, 0 KOs) impressed in her professional debut, defeating Sara Orszagi (1-3, 0 KOs) 40-36 in their four-round bantamweight contest.