Jack Catterall is a man of patience but now he wants his world title chance again.
The Chorley light-welterweight faces former world champion Regis Prograis in a non-title clash at the Co-Op Arena in Manchester on Saturday. Catterall, 31, has not fought since his May win over Josh Taylor, after he finally got his revenge against the Scot.
Injury struck to put back the Prograis fight but delays are a common theme in Catterall’s career. He had to wait over two years for the rematch with Taylor after he should have got the decision to win all four world titles in 2022.
By the time he did get in the ring again with his rival he had lost his belts. But Catterall is hoping an impressive win tonight against the New Orleans native can steer him to a world title shot early next year.
He said: “I want to be in a position to fight for a world title. I need to be involved in these big fights to make sure my name is right there. This is a big one against a guy who has been in with the best but is still at the top of his game, too.
(Image: Top Rank via Getty Images)
“Big fights are what I want, they make sure I bring the best out of myself. We all know I’ve been guilty of not being at my best against lower level opponents. That won’t be the case here because Regis will bring the best out of me.”
Catterall and Prograis will headline the very first boxing event at the new Co-Op Arena out by Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. Ricky Hatton made the city’s other arena, formerly known as the MEN Arena during his days, a well-known venue across the world.
Now Catterall wants to make the city’s new indoor venue his home. He said: “Everyone knows I’m a Chorley lad but I’ve been coming down to Manchester for years to train.
“Now I get to fight in the new arena for the first time. Ricky made the MEN his home, it would be great to make a name for myself at this new venue.”