Promoter Eddie Hearn calls the introduced Jack Catterall vs. Regis Prograis conflict a “mega-fight for the “division once they meet on August twenty fourth on the Co-Op Dwell in Manchester, England. The cardboard shall be proven dwell on DAZN.
(Picture credit score: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)
Can It Dwell As much as Hearn’s Expectations?
For Catterall-Prograis to dwell as much as Hearn’s expectations of being a “mega-fight,” it’s going to wish a superb undercard stuffed with high names that the U.S boxing public needs to see.
If Hearn can market the occasion like loopy, he may have the ability to flip it right into a mega-fight. Nonetheless, Hearn should work his bottom off to show Catterall vs. Prograis into something resembling a mega-fight as a result of each fighters have their points.
Prograis (29-2, 24 KOs) misplaced his final combat, and he’s not somebody that followers within the States are excited to see after the way in which he carried out final December and in his earlier combat in opposition to Danielito Zorrilla. The timing is dangerous for this combat to be a mega-fight.
“For me, it’s the most effective combat at 140 exterior of the championship fights. I feel Jack Catterall has develop into an actual star,” stated Eddie Hearn to Matchroom Boxing in regards to the information of Jack Catterall preventing former WBA/WBC mild welterweight champion Regis Prograis subsequent on August twenty fourth in Manchester on DAZN.
Catterall’s Fashion: A Potential Stumbling Block
The kinds earlier than Catterall and Prograis may flip this match right into a cat-and-mouse affair. Catterall strikes and holds quite a bit when pressured by his opponents, which isn’t entertaining for followers.
It could possibly be thrilling if Catterall revamps his preventing model to develop into extra fan-friendly by standing his floor, resisting his urge to clinch, and throwing energy pictures. There’s loads of rabbit in Catterall, and he’s a nightmare to observe and not using a good cup of robust espresso first.
“He placed on a incredible efficiency in opposition to Josh Taylor in the most effective atmospheres we’ve seen in a British area for a very long time,” stated Hearn about Catterall. “He wished to be energetic. He spoke to me about preventing for a world title. Liam Paro simply gained [the IBF 140-lb belt].”
Catterall wished a title shot in opposition to one of many champions at 140 or a title eliminator in opposition to Arnold Barboza Jr. Neither of these choices was obtainable for him, so now he’s dealing with the 35-year-old Prograis.
“Teofimo has received a protection developing [on June 29th]. Devin Haney is type of in limbo. I stated to him, ‘Look, if you wish to get energetic, we need to open up the Co-Op Enviornment in an enormous boxing occasion on August twenty fourth. It’s in your yard.’ He stated, ‘I’ll combat anyone. Simply make the most important combat you may make,’ and We tried with [Arnold] Barboza they usually dropped the ball.”
It’s exhausting to consider that Hearn couldn’t line Catterall up with a title shot in opposition to one of many champions at 140, as he promotes IBF belt-holder Liam Paro and HAD a very good working relationship with WBC champion Devin Haney.
Certainly, Hearn may have labored his magic to line Catterall up for a title shot in opposition to certainly one of them, however why didn’t he? Is it as a result of Catterall is considered as poison for rankings because of his boring model and his current safety-first conflict in opposition to Josh Taylor?
“It was actually 24 hours in the past in a dialog with Regis Prograis, and he stated, ‘I’ll combat Jack Catterall in England. I would like an enormous win. I had an important combat with Josh Taylor there. Let’s do it,’ and we received the combat signed, and it’s a mega-fight for the division, and the cardboard goes to be epic,” stated Hearn.
Prograis hasn’t had loads of choices for fights, which is why it’s comprehensible he jumped on the likelihood to combat Catterall in Manchester. His profession is in a foul spot now because of his loss to Haney.
“The world is incredible, and we’ve received one other huge night time for British boxing on August twenty fourth. It’s essential,” stated Hearn.
