Jack Catterall Plots To Use Regis Prograis As A Springboard To Win The Championship.
Jack Catterall (29-1, 13 KOs) is determined to use former world champion Regis Prograis (29-2, 24 KOs) as a stepping stone towards a title shot against one of the super lightweight champions when they face off on August 24 at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England.
Clash of the Titans: Catterall vs. Prograis
Today, Catterall, 30, and Prograis met at a kickoff press conference to promote their highly anticipated bout, which will be broadcast live on DAZN in just 52 days.
Prograis’ Recent Struggles
This is a must-win fight for Prograis, 35, who is coming off a series of setbacks. He lost to Devin Haney by unanimous decision in a twelve-round bout on December 9 last year and struggled to beat the lesser-known Danielito Zorrilla by split decision over twelve rounds on June 17, 2023.
Before these two fights, Prograis was widely regarded as the top fighter in the 140-pound weight class. If he can regain his form from two years ago, Catterall will face a tough challenge on August 24.
Catterall’s Rankings and Strategy
Catterall is currently ranked #2 by the WBO, #3 by the IBF, #3 by the WBA, and #3 by the WBC in the 140-pound division. He is targeting a title fight with WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. However, Teofimo has shown little interest in facing Catterall, and his promoter Bob Arum is unlikely to facilitate such a bout.
The only way for Catterall to secure a title shot against Teofimo is through a mandatory challenge, which could be a lengthy process.
Catterall’s Remarks
“We understand that this weight class is wide open right now. There’s no immediate opportunity to fight for a world title, but I don’t want to wait until the end of the year or early next year to get back in the ring, hoping for a world title shot,” Jack Catterall stated at the press conference.
Prograis’ Motivation
Prograis also expressed his ambition: “I now have another goal. I want to become a three-time world champion,” he said.