Jack Catterall (29-1, 13 KOs) needs to make use of former world champion Regis Prograis )(29-2, 24 KOs) as a stepping stone to a title shot in opposition to one of many gentle welterweight champions after they battle on August twenty fourth on the Co-Op Dwell in Manchester, England.
(Picture credit score: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
Catterall, 30, and Prograis met as we speak at their kickoff press convention to advertise their struggle 52 days from now, stay on DAZN.
Prograis’ Current Struggles
It’s a struggle that Prograis, 35, can not afford to lose as a result of he’s coming off back-to-back dismal performances. He misplaced to Devin Haney by a twelve-round unanimous choice on December ninth final 12 months and struggled to defeat little-known Danielito Zorrilla by a twelve-round break up choice on June seventeenth, 2023.
Earlier than these two fights, Prograis had been seen by many because the #1 fighter within the 140-lb division, however it reveals how issues can backside out for a extremely hyped fighter. If Prograis can regain the shape he had two years in the past, Catterall can be in hassle on August twenty fourth as a result of he’s not a puncher, and his stamina is horrible.
In Catterall’s final struggle in opposition to the previous his prime Josh Taylor on Might twenty fifth, he regarded nice for the competition’s first half however then light badly down the stretch. If Catterall’s gasoline tank fails him in opposition to Prograis, he can be in a world of harm on this struggle as a result of he’s obtained energy and can benefit from the scenario.
Catterall’s Path to a Title Shot
Catterall is ranked #2 WBO, #3 IBF, #3 WBA, and #3 WBC at 140. He’s eying a title shot in opposition to WBO gentle welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez, arguably the preferred of the 4 belt-holders and probably the most susceptible.
Teofimo has proven no need to struggle Catterall, and his promoter, Bob Arum, gained’t seemingly do Jack any favors after his fighter Taylor was on the receiving finish of a large 12-round unanimous choice loss in opposition to him in Might.
The one means Catterall will get a title shot in opposition to Teofimo is to go the necessary route, which takes time.
“I believe we perceive that the division is broad open proper now. There’s no fast shot on the World Title, however I didn’t wish to be ready till the again finish of the 12 months or early subsequent 12 months to get again within the ring, with the hopes of possibly touchdown a World Title struggle,” stated Jack Catterall throughout as we speak’s kickoff press convention for his struggle in opposition to former WBA/WBC gentle welterweight champion Regis Prograis on August twenty fourth in Manchester, England.
Catterall wants a title eliminator with thie World Boxing Group to hurry up getting an opportunity to struggle Teofimo. If Catteral turns into necessary, he nonetheless may need to attend a 12 months, and by then, Teofimo might transfer as much as 147 if somebody doesn’t dethrone him earlier than then.
Prograis’ Motivation to Redeem Himself
“Now I’ve a objective once more. I wish to be a three-time World Champion,” stated Prograis.
