Post Fight: Jack Catterall Gets the Job Done
Jack Catterall beats Regis Prograis by a unanimous points decision on Saturday night in Manchester, setting up a future title shot.
To mix sporting cliches, it was a fight of two halves. Catterall started slowly – risk averse, even. Prograis seemed to notice this and pressed more of the action in the early fight. He reminded everyone that whilst he may be 35, he’s still a good boxer and he hadn’t come to Manchester to give Catterall an easy night.
Whilst it wasn’t a fight for the ages, a few good shots made their way through – a powerful left from Catterall being the pick of the shots in the opening few rounds.
Catterall Wakes Up in the Middle Rounds
A slow, cautious start caused the Catterall corner to force a change. A dressing down between rounds seemed to bring more out of Catterall, and he upped the pace in the middle rounds. Whether this was a game plan all along, or an on-the-fly change remains to be seen.
It worked though. Catterall was letting more go, and sensing Prograis was beginning to slow, Catterall upped the pace. His youth and fewer miles on the clock were beginning to show their value.
There was a VERY dubious knockdown scored against Catterall in the 5th round. A jab from Prograis catches Catterall on the shoulder/neck/lower jaw area, knocking him off balance. Catterall’s hand touches the floor to help him regain his balance, and the knockdown was scored. There was no effects from the punch, but in a tight contest a knockdown can prove pivotal.
In the 6th and 7th rounds, Catterall began to pull away.
Economic Catterall Saves Best Til Last
Having started slowly, Catterall had much more in the tank in the later rounds. His economical performance up until that point meant that he was able to take advantage as Prograis tired.
Up until the 7th, you could make a decent argument for both men being ahead – it was certainly tight. After that point, the tired Prograis began to wilt an Catterall took advantage.
A huge 9th round for Catterall saw him score two knockdowns against Prograis. If they happened earlier in the round, we may well be talking about a knockout win for Catterall, but Prograis held in there.
Knowing he was behind, Prograis was swinging wildly, the final flush of a man who knows the cause is lost. At one point he ended up on the canvas after wildly swinging (and missing) at Catterall.
Jack Catterall Awarded the Win
As expected before the fight, Jack Catterall wont bout on points. After a slow start, he was the deserved winner and will move onto a world title shot. Eddie Hearn has mentioned Lopez, but I think he’s better off going after Paro. Perhaps they’re thinking of timing though, because Paro is due to fight in December, making a title shot unlikely before April if Catterall chooses that route.
Either way, Catterall has earned his shot.
As for Prograis, who knows. He’s as good as done at this level. He’s earned a lot of money, he’s been a two-time world champion and he can hold his head up high. I hope he retires with his health and his reputation in tact.
For more content on the Jack Catterall v Regis Prograis fight, click here…
Catterall Targeting IBF Champ Paro if he Beats Prograis
Regis Prograis – The Final Lap of Distinguished Career?
BOMBS DROPPED! Regis Prograis On the Wind Up At Press Conference
