Catterall names the world champion he wants next

JACK CATTERALL could be one fight away from challenging for a world title once again.

On October 26 the 31-year-old faces Regis Prograis in Manchester. Having beaten old nemesis Josh Taylor in a rematch from their controversial undisputed title fight, another victory against another former super-lightweight champion would bolster his résumé and credentials.

Catterall is currently ranked number two with the WBO and WBC and five with the WBA. However, on December 7, IBF super-lightweight champion Liam Paro defends his title against mandatory challenger Richardson Hitchins. The IBF’s next highest-rated contender is Catterall at three, and both he and Paro are promoted by Matchroom. ‘El Gato’ told Boxing News that the Australian is the champion he wants to face.

“It’s an in-house fight,” Catterall said.

“I think the division’s wide open. I’ll be keeping a close eye on that fight [Paro v Hitchins]. I know I’ve got a big job next Saturday but I love that Paro fight.

“I expect him to beat Hitchins. I don’t expect it to be straightforward but I would expect a victory and I welcome that fight next.”

Prograis, also promoted by Matchroom, is keen on facing the December 7 winner as well. Catterall, however, had hoped to land a shot at Paro this year and had this to say on why the fight never materialised.

“I’m not aware of the reason. This fight [Prograis] got proposed. I’m told there wasn’t an immediate shot at the world title. I needed a fight, a big fight I would get up for and aside from the world champions I believe Regis is that.”