Catterall after beating Prograis “I Want A World Title Next”

Jack Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) says he is ready to fight for a world title next following his 12-round unanimous decision victory over the always tough Regis Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) on Saturday night.

(Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom boxing)

The two fighters fought in a strategic, defensive match, with only two rounds of action involving knockouts. Two knockouts Catterall scored 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, falling back when former WBA and WBC light welterweight champion Prograis would go on the attack. It was the type of fight that ultra die-hard boxing fans love to watch. Prograis lacked the foot speed to chase Catterall around the ring, leading to little action.

Prograis complimented Catterall after the fight, saying he was the best fighter he had ever fought and that he deserved a title shot next. Promoter Eddie Hearn said he wants Catterall to challenge the winner of the December 7 fight between IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins.

Catterall has said he wants to challenge WBO 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez next, but that probably won’t 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 Matchroom Boxing about being dropped by Regis Prograis in round five tonight. “You have to be disciplined. You cannot take too many risks.

“After that strong round I know I had to push, but at the same time you don’t want to go in recklessly against a strong fighter like Regis. I want a world title next.

“Jack was just the better 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 the next world title.”