Catterall defeats Prograis and is now on course for a world title

Jack Catterall produced a terrific performance against former two-time light-welterweight champion Regis Prograis at the CO-OP Live Arena Manchester, which staged its first boxing event. 

Catterall, supported by his adoring fans from Chorley, put himself in position for a well -deserved world title fight in 2025. Saturday was not an official eliminator, although promoter, Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn, promised the winner would secure a title opportunity. 

The opening four rounds were watchful with neither fighting landing anything of significance. Catterall suffered a flash knockdown in the fifth round, then from that point, took control of the fight and gained control twice, sending Prograis to the floor in round nine. Prograis received an eight count on both occasions. The first knockdown a looping left hand then the end of the round a perfectly timed left hand from his south paw stance.

Prograis desperately sought the knockout, twice sweeping himself off his feet with attempted haymakers. Unsurprisingly, the judges went for Catterall to win a unanimous wide decision of 117-108, and the other two judges scored 116-109. 

​Catterall hopes to secure a world title opportunity, with Eddie Hearn mentioning that Catterall could face the winner of Liam Paro vs Richardson Hitchins for the IBF light welterweight title on 7th December or the WBO champion Teofimo Lopez. 

Hours before the first bell between Reece Bellotti and Michael Gomez Jr for the British and Commonwealth super featherweight titles, Gomez Jr fell ill in the changing rooms. A statement from Matchroom Boxing said it had been informed by the British Boxing Board of Control the fight could not take place Eddie Hearn termed a “bizarre and unique situation.” Bellotti infuriated thinking “Gomez Jr has 100% swallowed it” when interviewed by DAZN. 

On the undercard, Jimmy Joe Flint repeated what he accomplished in March, defeating Campbell Hatton again  (in a closer fight than the original). Hatton showed heart and resilience, but Flint's experience and skills prevailed. Both suffered cuts in a close fight. Flint's jab and movement were pivotal when Hatton began to tire, leaving openings for Flint. After ten gruelling rounds, all three judges scored the fight to Flint 97-94, 96-94, and 96-95 to ensure the rematch finished with the same outcome as the first. 

Pat McCormack came off a frustrating 15-month layoff to defeat William Andres Herrera 100-90 on all three judges' scorecards. McCormack showed his Olympic pedigree and demonstrated he was the superior fighter, producing moments of class and landing throughout with the uppercut. McCormack, who suffered a cut over the eye from a head clash in the ninth round will hope to make up for lost time in 2025.