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Is this fight a make-or-break moment for Regis Prograis' boxing career?

Over ten months after Devin Haney inflicted his second career loss, Regis Prograis will step into the ring to face Jack Catterall. The match will take place on October 26 at Manchester’s Co-Ops Live Arena. The pair were earlier slated for a face-off on August 24. But Catterall’s injury led to a postponement.

Though a non-title bout, the fight nevertheless serves as a golden opportunity for Prograis to put his career back on track. However, the task ahead may not be as easy as it sounds. In Catterall, he faces an opponent who is not only technically skilled but also riding high after the huge win over rival Josh Taylor in May. So ahead of their duel, let’s explore how Catterall and Prograis stack up against each other.

Jack Catterall vs. Regis Prograis: Tale of the Tape

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Three months from now, on January 24, 2025, the Texas resident, Regis Prograis, will turn thirty-six. His Lancastrian rival, on the other hand, turned thirty-one on July 1. Standing at 5 feet and 8 inches or 173 centimeters tall, ‘Rougarou’ stands roughly an inch taller than El Gato, who boasts a height of 5 feet and seven inches or 170 centimeters. However, in terms of hand reach, the Englishman might have some advantage. Against Prograis’ 67 inches or 170 centimeters, Catterall records a reach measuring 69 inches or 175 centimeters.

During his rematch against Josh Taylor, Jack Catterall recorded a weight of 139.8 pounds. On the other hand, Regis Prograis weighed about 139 pounds against Devin Haney. The final weigh-ins of the upcoming fight should take place by Thursday-Friday next week.

Though separated by a few months, both Catterall and Prograis began their professional careers in 2012 and have accumulated around 30 fights in their decade-plus career. ‘El Gato’ emerged victorious in 29 out of his 30 matches. The sole loss he suffered came at the hands of Josh Taylor two years ago. ‘Rougarou’ too won 29 battles. Interestingly, it was Josh Taylor, who, in 2019, inflicted the first of his two professional losses. Then on December 9, last year, he lost his WBC belt to Haney.

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Is this fight a make-or-break moment for Regis Prograis' boxing career?

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But one key differentiator remains the knock-out-win rate. Prograis has a well-earned reputation as a heavy hitter. His nearly 83% knock-out-to-win rate confirms his penchant for early stoppages. Catterall enters the fight as the boxer. So only 13 of his wins were secured via knockouts, thus rendering him a knockout-to-win rate of 45%.

Jack Catterall vs. Regis Prograis: Fight Breakdown

Given the fact that both fighters currently do not hold any titles, the October 26 face-off is quite crucial if they want to scale up in the ranks and challenge the current belt holders in the 140-pound weight class. So according to a few reports, with -400 odds favoring him, Jack Catterall appears to be leading as the favorite to win the match against Regis Prograis, who will enter the ring as the +292 underdog.

If one ignores the controversial loss to Josh Taylor, Jack has been on a continuous winning streak, interspersed only by a year-long break in 2021. Keen to avenge his sole defeat, he exacted his revenge by winning unanimously. Considering the fact that the fight took place in May this year, it is reasonably possible that his morale could be at an all-time high.

Regis Prograis’ situation is slightly different. Hunger to score a win might be there, but he steps into the ring with loads of pressure. The loss to Devin Haney wasn’t easy. ‘The Dream’ knocked him down in the third round. Evidently, in almost all the departments, ‘The Dream’ outboxed him, exposing his vulnerabilities.

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Now that is something Catterall might try to exploit. Though a southpaw like Prograis, his unconventional stance might confuse the New Orleans-born fighter. ‘El Gato’ prefers to fight on the inside and relies on his footwork to push the opponent on the back foot. He might use his combinations after cornering Prograis, then one can’t afford to ignore his left that he has often used in the past.

But again, it’s worth noting that Catterall’s last KO came five years ago. Then one has to weigh in his recent injury as well. Many would expect ‘Rougarou’ to step in with his usual aggressive style, looking for an early stoppage. He would try to apply pressure on Jack Catterall, forcing him to make a mistake, and then use his renowned left hook to score his twenty-fifth KO. However, against a smart tactician like Devin Haney, he was found looking for answers. While Catterall may not be on Haney’s level, he’s a fighter cut from the same mold.

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So many fans might deem the fight the classic clash between a boxer and a fighter. One thing remains clear: one who retains his composure and makes a few mistakes will eventually emerge as the winner.

Between Jack Catterall and Regis Prograis, who is your pick for the win on October 26?

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