JACK CATTERALL shot himself into world title contention while sending American Regis Prograis into retirement.
The super-lightweight pair became the first boxers to headline at the new 23,500-seat £365million Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
And hometown hero Catterall, 31, had to get himself up from the floor in round five following a flash knockdown by Prograis.
But he pulled away in the ninth with two big knockdowns of himself to earn a unanimous points victory – and potential world title fight next.
He said: “I’m pleased. It was a big event for me, a big occasion against a tremendous fighter.
“Regis came tonight, he gave me a hell of a fight so I can’t complain about that. I felt Regis’ power. Obviously he is a strong fighter.
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“But I came back into it with the two knockdown. There’s plenty of big fights in my division. I want a world title next.”
Catterall’s promoter Eddie Hearn says the southpaw is now in line to challenge the winner between Liam Paro, 28, and Richardson Hitchins, 27, who fight for IBF title on December 7.
But Hearn also wants to temp outspoken New Yorker and WBO title holder Teofimo Lopez, 27, into a trip to the UK.
Prograis, 35, is braced to bring an end to his career which included two world title reigns.
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He said: “Jack was just better, that’s all. Jack was the better man, I’m not going to lie.
“He deserves a world title fight. He definitely deserves a world title next. Good luck.
“[He’s] really good. I’ve fought the best and [he was] the best out of all of them.
“I’ve had my time in the sun. Now it’s time for the young ones, [to] let the young guys take over.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
