The Jack Catterall and Regis Prograis showdown is just around the corner. Barring the keen interest among a few diehards, probably the non-title clash would have passed by without causing any flutter. But like a knight in shining armor, the final press conference seemingly came to its rescue. A brief exchange between Regis Prograis and Sam Jones has attracted significant attention.

Much to everyone’s amusement, it seems, long-buried secrets might have finally seen the light of day. Jack Catterall will step into the ring following his win over longtime rival Josh Taylor on May 25. Regis Prograis, on the other hand, would want to set his record straight. Last December, he suffered a second career loss to Devin Haney and lost his world championship.

The rabbit is finally out of the hat!

“British boxing returns with a bang,” said Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, winding up the presser. But, “Wait, wait, wait,” Regis Prograis jumped in. “I got something else to say,” he added further. “A long time ago, Sam Jones, his (Jack Catterall) manager…actually said I would beat Jack’s a** a long time ago, right, and I got proof right now. If you all want to hear it, I got proof… he said, ‘Flatten Him.’”

Sam Jones could be heard protesting that he ‘never said that’. He taunted that probably Prograis’ actions were an outcome of the severe beating he suffered at the hands of Devin Haney. Immediately pulling out his phone near the mic, Prograis played a recording. “I love Jack; by the way, I know him very well, but I do think you’re flattening; you understand what I mean, cuz you’re a different guy to Josh Taylor,” a voice suggestively belonging to Jones said.

Hearn intervened to replay the recording. Jones, who was now visible on the camera, replied that he could make it when the conversation might have taken place. However, a word of caution immediately followed: “Regis, I’ve got some messages from you, so just think very carefully before you play that next one.”

The replay sprung: “But I do think I like Jack; by the way, I know him very well, but I do think you flatten him.”

The run-up to the exchange

Sam Jones explained that the comments pertained to the time when he was barely acquainted with Catterall. He insisted, “I never met Jack. I’ve only known him. I’ve only known him two years.” Later, when he mentioned that he would blow the lid off some of ‘Rougarou’s messages, the New Orleans-born Southpaw replied, “Go ahead and do it.”

It will be some time before the dust around the squabble clears. Nevertheless, it follows what Sam Jones recently shared about the fight. Expressing great optimism, he felt that stylistically, Regis Prograis complemented Jack Catterall. In view of the title fights, he felt that the October 26 fight would be one of the best showpieces from the 140-pound division. He also shared how Catterall wanted to chase bigger fights, and the upcoming bout fits into the overall scheme of things.

The Matchroom bonanza, ‘Stand On Business’ at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena, features a string of exciting fights, including the much-anticipated return of Campbell Hatton, who suffered his first loss in March.

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