Regis Prograis – The Final Lap of Distinguished Career?
Regis Prograis has enjoyed a solid career at the top of the sport of boxing. If we’re honest though, we’re probably seeing the final lap of his career on Saturday night.
Prograis has been a great servant to the sport. He’s never been one to duck a challenge and has been a legitimate world champion on a couple of occasions. The issue he’s got now is if he doesn’t beat Jack Catterall on Saturday night, that’s probably him done at the top of the sport. Whilst there’s no doubt he’s a solid name to have on any fighters resume, the Regis Prograis of 5 years ago just isn’t there now.
At Junior Welterweight, the title holders are talented guys. There’s no easy fight at the top of the division, and if Prograis comes up short against Catterall, he’s got almost no chance against the belt holders. He looked slow against Devin Haney, with Haney almost landing at will. He was down in the third, and wobbled in the ninth.
How much toll will that fight have taken on Prograis? He’s older now, with more miles on the clock. He’s up against a game opponent, an away crowd and he lost his last fight. It’s not a good combination.
Whilst Regis Prograis certainly has the talent to win on Saturday, too many people have overlooked Catterall, and found out the hard way. Personally, I think Catterall takes the win here. He’s slightly younger, fresher and has been more active recently. He possesses great timing and a tricky southpaw stance – the ingredients I believe he needs to take the points win.
Despite the fact that there’s no belt on the line, a win for either man will catapult them in line for a title shot next time out. Whether that’s a good idea for Prograis is another matter. His best days are behind him, and there’s a lot of talent in this division.
Regis Prograis’ Title Credentials
In 2019 Prograis beat Kiryl Relikh to win the WBA lightweight title, which he subsequently lost in his fight against Josh Taylor in the WBSS final in 2019, despite being the odds-on favourite.
In 2022 he beat Jose Zepeda to win the vacant WBC strap, but lost it to Devin Haney after a single defence. There’s no shame in losing to Haney at all, but to me it highlights Prograis’ limitations – his title wins have come against game, but limited opponents. When he has stepped up, he’s struggled. Over time he has slowed down, he’s become easier to hit and hasn’t won by knockout in a couple of years.
The combination of those factors is what concerns me this time. His opponent 5 years to the day he lost to Taylor will be Jack Catterall, a man who (in my opinion) beat Josh Taylor twice, despite the record showing Taylor won their 2022 bout.
As boxing robberies go, that has to be up there with the most scandalous.
Catterall doesn’t possess devastating punching power, but he’s a tricky southpaw with a relentless work rate, an under-appreciated skill set and a great work ethic. He’s tough, has never been down in his career and has never really looked troubled in the ring. He’s a fan favourite, and has been unlucky on occasion. When he beat Taylor in their May fight, many felt it was vindication for the robbery he suffered against Taylor previously.
I’m fully expecting Catterall to take a points win on Saturday, and hope Regis Regis Prograis retires with his head held high after a successful career in the sport. He owes the sport nothing, he’s served it well.
For more content on the Catterall Prograis fight, click here…
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