This weekend will feature an unprecedented showdown between Jack Catterall and Regis Prograis. Tony Bellew, in his exclusive column for DAZN, shared his thoughts on the fight, calling it a rare bout for not having a world title on the line despite the quality of the participants. The fight will take place between two of the best super-lightweights in the world at the Co-op Live stadium.
Bellew emphasized the importance of both fighters accepting this challenge. According to the former world champion, both Catterall and Prograis could have waited for a world title shot but chose to face each other now. Tony Bellew highlighted that the winner of this contest will be in a prime position for a major fight in 2025. “Boxing needs more of its fighters to be bold and take risky fights,” Bellew noted.
The fight between Catterall and Prograis presents a clash of styles and different moments in their careers. Catterall has been on the rise since his fight with Josh Taylor in 2022, where he proved himself to be a world-class fighter. Although he didn’t win the bout, his performance stood out, and since then, he has secured notable victories over Taylor and Jorge Linares. Tony Bellew believes that a win over Prograis would cement Catterall as one of the best fighters in his country.
Prograis, on the other hand, is looking to reaffirm his status in the division after his loss to Devin Haney last year. Although losing to a fighter of Haney’s caliber is nothing to be ashamed of, Bellew thinks Prograis has a lot to prove in this fight. Like Catterall, Prograis’ biggest moment came against Josh Taylor in 2019, where he lost in a close decision. However, Bellew sees this fight as the perfect opportunity for Prograis to reestablish himself as one of the best in the world.
Tony Bellew anticipates a close contest, with both fighters leaving everything in the final rounds to secure victory. “Catterall is the fighter in form,” said Bellew, who believes that Catterall’s confidence and ability to press the fight could give him a slight edge. In his final analysis, Bellew leans toward a Catterall victory, though he stresses it will be a tough and competitive fight until the end.
While the Catterall vs. Prograis fight may not be for a world title, it has potential. Both fighters will be looking to stake their claim on the world stage, and the outcome of this bout could set the stage for a major showdown in 2025.
Another 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙘 fight week in Manchester 🇬🇧#CatterallPrograis | Oct 26 | Live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/YRGpQPnUWs
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 23, 2024
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