Catterall deserves a world title shot after Prograis win

It took Jack Catterall six rounds to solve Regis Prograis at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester late on Saturday night and when he did, he looked brilliant.

- STEVE BUNCE

Catterall won a wide decision on points and that is because, as Prograis tired, Catterall increased the pressure like a veteran and sent the American tumbling heavily to the canvas twice in round nine.

Prograis had dropped Catterall in round five and was, after six or seven rounds, in the fight; it’s possible that he was sharing the lead or just in front. Catterall had been caught as he threw a punch and just about touched down for the official knockdown, his glove barely tapping the canvas; he was not hurt, but it was a clear indication that Prograis could hurt him.

The sixth, seven and eighth were hard rounds for both men; Prograis was slowing, Catterall was getting closer and in round nine, he shut the gap and sent Prograis down with a spectacular left-cross counter. Prograis was flat on his back for a second but beat the count and there were 41 seconds left in the round; Prograis stayed upright until just before the bell when he was dropped heavily again. The bell sounded, he took a count and survived the round, but the fight had switched.