Matchroom Boxing introduced Jack Catterall vs Regis Prograis following a controversial conflict involving Lewis Crocker and Conah Walker on Saturday.
Moments after Crocker secured a detailed choice win over Walker in a conflict that appeared to have gone the opposite approach, promoter Eddie Hearn stepped into the ring to substantiate Catterall vs Prograis.
Catterall vs Prograis
The Tremendous-Light-weight encounter will debut boxing on the newly-built Co-op Dwell in Manchester on Saturday, August 24. The DAZN-televised occasion will see the victor head in direction of a world title battle on the finish of the yr.
Catterall [29-1, 13 KOs] heads into the bout on a roll, having solely defeated Josh Taylor for the second time in Might. He needed a fast turnaround, and Hearn may present that in opposition to a formidable challenger.
Prograis [29-2, 24 KOs] has endured differing fortunes previously few years after shedding a debated choice to Taylor and his WBC title to Devin Haney final outing. ‘Rougarou’ has to show he nonetheless has the attention of the tiger at 35.
Discussing the battle, Catterall stated, “I’ve waited round for giant fights to occur earlier than, sitting round ready for title pictures. It brought on me an enormous quantity of inactivity. I’ll by no means try this once more.
“I requested Eddie Hearn and Sam Jones for one of the best out there battle for August 24. As quickly as they talked about Regis Prograis, I stated sure immediately. We had been meant to battle some time again, and it fell by, however now we are able to settle it within the ring on August 24.”
Hearn acknowledged, “This can be a sensible battle, and I’m so pleased that we’re seeing one of the best 140lbs fighters face one another slightly than simply sitting round ready for title pictures. Jack Catterall is on an incredible run, and Regis Prograis must make an announcement on this battle. I feel it is going to be a thriller.”
Forward of the competition, Catterall outlined his respect for Prograis.
“Regis Prograis is a improbable fighter. He’s coming off an enormous PPV World Title battle in opposition to Devin Haney. He’s a former two-time World Champion who has been to the UK earlier than. He had a life and demise with Josh Taylor, and I’m trying ahead to sharing the ring with such an incredible fighter.”
Prograis added, “This can be a battle I’ve all the time needed. We had been presupposed to battle just a few years in the past, nevertheless it by no means materialized. Now’s the right time. I view Jack as the most effective on the planet at 140lbs.
“It’s an incredible battle as a result of Jack is keen to turn out to be a World Champion. I’m trying to turn out to be a three-time World Champion. On high of that, I’m excited to be coming again to the UK.”
Denny vs Money
Catterall and Hearn stepped out of the ring because the motion continued at Resorts World Area in Birmingham. Tyler Denny defended his European middleweight title in opposition to the inactive however undefeated Felix Money.
Money negated his boxing expertise and regarded rusty as he tried to get Denny out of there early on. A reduce opened up with what the referee stated was a head conflict, later worsened by a punch within the fifth spherical.
The ringside doctor referred to as off the battle with 5 rounds scored, and Denny took the victory 49-46 and 49-47 twice on the scorecards.
In one other replace to the cardboard, Hearn revealed that the scheduled Aqib Fiaz vs Kane Baker battle needed to be canceled pre-fight on account of ‘irregular betting exercise’ surrounding the bout.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra concerning the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.