Jack Catterall aims to “make some noise” with his performance against Regis Prograis on Saturday to keep alive his American dream.
No belts will be on the line when the British super-lightweight takes on former world champion Prograis at Co-Op Live in Manchester, but the 31-year-old has no shortage of motivation.
A unanimous points decision win over rival Josh Taylor in May finally settled that score and Catterall has ambitions to get his hands on world titles, but first must navigate his way past Louisiana-born Prograis to open the door for big bouts in the United States.
“I am very grateful and fortunate for the last couple of fights I’ve had in arenas in the UK and especially this one, but I think as a young, British fighter, you always envisage going to America and having a fight at one of the Mecca stadiums, as they call it,” Catterall told the PA news agency.
Big fights only 🤝 @jack_catt93
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 22, 2024
Another hurdle to overcome in the climb towards World Honours 📈#CatterallPrograis | Oct 26 | @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/gmh2Ygfe2f
“That would certainly be something I would like to do, but I understand I have to beat Regis first, make some noise and who knows? Maybe we go to America next year.
“I feel like a second coming now. It’s been a great ride since I signed with Matchroom. This will be my third headline fight in a UK arena in 12 months. That again is a great feeling.
“The 140 division is stacked with a lot of great fighters, so I find myself now fit and well, past the periods of inactivity and ready to fight and be involved in these big fights.”
Catterall targeted a world title shot against American Teofimo Lopez, who currently holds the WBO belt, after he avenged his controversial defeat to Taylor in May.
Australian Liam Paro is another option for 2025 and he puts his IBF title on the line against Richardson Hitchins in December, but southpaw Catterall knows what is required first.
He added: “That is the motivation and part of the motivation behind fighting Regis. Outside of the world champions, he for me is the biggest fight to have.
“I believe a victory against him will put me right at the top of the list and ready to challenge the names you’ve mentioned. They are all the fights I welcome.”
Catterall had previously talked up a bout with Ryan Garcia, who beat Devin Haney in April, but subsequently had the result changed to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine on the day of the fight.
Garcia, who claimed to not knowingly have taken the banned substance, is currently suspended and also embroiled in a lawsuit with Haney.
However, Catterall would take on the American and stressed the importance of a clean sport after opponent Prograis tweeted at the start of October he had only been tested once by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association).
I want to put that message across for other athletes and young fighters coming through that it should be a clean sport.
“I have not followed it too closely over these last weeks and months whether Ryan has got his licence or not got his licence,” Catterall explained.
“Obviously he is a big name in the sport of boxing and if he’s got a licence and is a clean fighter, then I would love to fight him.
“I agree with (Regis’ tweet). If he’s had the one test, it’s not enough. I replied I’ve been tested three times and I was actually tested the day after he sent the tweet, so somebody is listening… VADA’s listening!
“I want to put that message across for other athletes and young fighters coming through that it should be a clean sport.
“It’s a serious sport, you can get seriously hurt and we all need to be on the same team when it comes to drug tests.”
