“Definitely, it's a must-win.” REGis prograis has a lot riding on his upcoming fight with Jack Catterall

Written by: Sean Crose

“I feel like Jack and I are the biggest fight in the division without the belt on the line,” said former junior welterweight champion Regris Prograis in a press release announcing his August 24 fight with Jack Catterall. “Actually, we should have fought a few years ago but it didn't happen, now we are here. I think this is a very good time now.”

Prograis, who suffered his first loss in December last year to Devin Haney, clearly knows that there is a lot at stake in this match with Catteral. “Sure, it's a must-win,” he said. “I have a goal now. Every time I get a belt I just don't care about it. Now I have a goal again. I want to be a three-time world champion and this is the man I have to go through. Catterall is one of the biggest names in the division right now. The 140lbs division is currently stacked. “

Although there is no title but the fight with Catteral, which will be held in Manchester in the United Kingdom, Prograis sees it as an opportunity to come back hard. Doing well outside of his native America, will help people forget about Haney's loss, after all, or at least put it in the rearview mirror. “Like I said, this is the biggest fight they can do without the belt on the line,” said Prograis. “I'm ready to do it again in front of the crazy UK fans.”

Catterll, fresh off a win over Josh Taylor, is hot. Not only did he top Taylor, who is the only man who has ever beaten him, Catteral also defeated Jorge Linares' lover. “I'm excited,” Catterall said. “That chapter with Josh is closed. A new chapter. Before the first fight I found myself in a good place, leading the WBO, but I was sitting on the shelf for a long time.”

Like Prograis, Catterall knows that a win here could lead to impressive job openings. “I think we understand that the division is wide open right now,” Catterall said. “There is no immediate title in the world group but I didn't want to wait until the end of the year or the beginning of next year to get back in the ring, I hope that maybe I can get a world title fight.”