By: Sean Crose
Whereas he was favored to win on Saturday, Jack Catterall nonetheless made the world of boxing take discover when he bested former world titlist Regis Prograis in a 12 spherical affair at England’s Co-Op Dwell Enviornment. Though he hit the mat himself at one level throughout the struggle (really one among his gloves hit the mat – however a knockdown’s a knockdown) Catterall dropped Prograis not one, however twice on his approach to victory. Even Prograis was gracious sufficient to confess afterward that he had been bested truthful and sq.. Though he’s been a professional fighter for 12 years, the person has now efficiently stepped into the highlight.
Whereas hardcore worldwide followers have been in settlement with British followers that Catterall was a expertise to be reckoned with, the 31 yr outdated Lancashire native is now out of the margins and being rightfully acknowledged as one of many high abilities within the 140 pound division. Beating a former world champion will do this for a fighter. The query now’s: The place to from right here for the person generally known as “El Gato”? With names like Teofimo Lopez and Liam Paro sitting atop the division, he might nicely have some profitable and excessive profile matches forward of him.
Boasting a report of 30 wins and 1 defeat, Catterall has now bested a number of of the perfect fighters in his division. Other than Prograis, Catterall has now defeated Jorge Linares and Josh Taylor, as nicely. Certainly, Catterall has battled Taylor twice. He misplaced the primary time, dropping a break up choice in 2022. That sting of defeat didn’t preserve the person down, nevertheless, for Catterall got here again beat Taylor by way of unanimous choice final Could. After which got here Prograis this previous weekend. Whereas there’s little doubt Catterall has already had a profitable profession, he now maybe has an opportunity to earn himself a legitimately nice profession.
He’s gifted, Catterall is, gifted and defensive minded. Whereas he was capable of put Prograis down twice, it was clear on Saturday he most well-liked to maintain out of hurt’s method whereas ready for the prospect to land cleanly. Such a mode is sort of irritating for opponents, and dangers being boring for followers. But Catterall confirmed this weekend that he can put his energy to work, as nicely. The dearth of flash, nevertheless, might hurt Catterall’s marketability and drawing energy. Former world titlist Chris Algieri has stated as a lot on ProBox TV. A fighter has to do what she or he can to win, although – and if Catterall has proven one factor it’s that he is aware of how win on an enormous stage.
