Jack Catterall will face Regis Prograis on August 24 in Manchester

JACK Catterall and Regis Prograis will clash on August 24 in Manchester’s Co-Op Live. The 140-pound bout against former two-time world king Prograis is the perfect reward for Catterall, who gained revenge over Josh Taylor last month.

The all-southpaw bout will further test Jack’s world-class credentials in what will be the first-ever boxing show at the Co-Op indoor arena.

Common opponent Taylor inflicted Prograis’ first career loss in the WBSS final back in 2019. Regis was last seen losing widely to Devin Haney at the close of 2023 but will view Catterall’s scalp as a way back to the top.

That won’t bother ‘El Gato’ who is willing to face the best rather than sit around getting rusty.

“I’ve waited around for big fights to happen before, sitting around waiting for title shots and it caused me a huge amount of inactivity,” said Catterall. 

“I’ll never do that again. I asked Eddie Hearn and Sam Jones for the best available fight for August 24 and as soon as they mentioned Regis Prograis I said yes straight away. We were meant to fight a while back and it fell through; but now we have the opportunity to settle it in the ring on August 24.

“I don’t want to sit on the sidelines and I’ll never do that again. Regis Prograis is a fantastic fighter and he’s coming off the back of a huge PPV World Title fight against Devin Haney. He’s a former two-time World Champion, he’s been over here to the UK before, had a life and death with Josh Taylor, and I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with such a great fighter.”

‘Rougarou’ Prograis from New Orleans reckons this fight is long overdue after seeing his name linked with the Chorley man for a while.

“This is a fight I’ve always wanted,” said Prograis. “We were supposed to fight a few years ago but it never materialised. Now is the perfect time. I view Jack as one of the best in the world at 140lbs. 

“It’s a great fight because Jack is eager to become a World Champion and I’m looking to become a three-time World Champion. On top of that, I’m excited to be coming back to the UK.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “Jack Catterall is on a great run and Regis Prograis needs to make a statement in this fight, I think it will be a thriller. 

“I’m also delighted to give this incredible new arena its first live boxing event and it’s going to be a huge show from top to bottom August 24.”