Prograis vs. Catterall: A Press Conference to Remember
In the world of boxing, press conferences often serve as a stage for fighters to promote their upcoming bouts, but sometimes they become a spectacle of their own. Such was the case on Thursday afternoon in Manchester, where Regis Prograis and Jack Catterall faced off in a press conference that took an unexpected turn, thanks to Prograis’s bold move.
The Setup
Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Matchroom Boxing, was wrapping up the press conference when Prograis decided to interject. The former WBA and WBC 140-pound champion had a surprise in store that would not only capture the attention of the audience but also put Catterall’s camp on the defensive. As Hearn prepared to pose the fighters for photos, Prograis pulled out a recording that would ignite a heated exchange.
The Bombshell Recording
Prograis played a recording of a phone call with Sam Jones, Catterall’s manager, from at least two years ago. In the recording, Jones confidently stated that Prograis would “flatten” Catterall if they ever fought. This revelation was particularly striking, as it came from someone who is now firmly in Catterall’s corner. Prograis did not specify the exact date of the conversation, but he emphasized its significance, framing it as a damning admission from Team Catterall.
The Exchange
The back-and-forth between Prograis and Jones was electric. Prograis, with a mix of bravado and humor, called out Jones, saying, “Wait, wait, wait! I got something else to say. I’mma slash everything right now.” He then played the recording, prompting Jones to deny ever making such a statement. “Right hand to God – never said that,” Jones retorted, attempting to downplay the implications of his own words.
As the tension escalated, Prograis insisted on the authenticity of the recording, urging the audience to listen closely. “Listen, everybody. Be quiet, be quiet,” he commanded, showcasing his confidence and determination to turn the narrative in his favor. The exchange highlighted the psychological warfare that often accompanies high-stakes boxing matches.
Jones’s Defense
Jones quickly attempted to mitigate the damage, claiming that the conversation took place before he became Catterall’s manager and that he had never met Catterall at that time. “I’ve only known him two years,” he asserted, trying to distance himself from his previous comments. However, Prograis was unyielding, pressing Jones on the inconsistency of his statements. “You said it, though, right?” he challenged, showcasing his ability to keep the pressure on his opponent’s camp.
Predictions and Stakes
As the conversation shifted back to the fight itself, Hearn asked Jones for his prediction on the upcoming bout. “Jack’s gonna beat him,” Jones declared, but Prograis was quick to point out the contradiction in Jones’s earlier statements. The back-and-forth continued, with Prograis urging Jones to clarify his stance, further intensifying the atmosphere.
The fight, set for Saturday night at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, is a 12-round, non-title bout that has garnered significant attention. Prograis, who is looking to bounce back from a loss to Devin Haney, enters the ring with a record of 29 wins and 2 losses, while Catterall boasts a record of 29 wins and 1 loss. Most sportsbooks have Catterall listed as a 4-1 favorite, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The Build-Up
As the fight approaches, the tension between Prograis and Catterall continues to build. The press conference not only served as a promotional event but also as a platform for both fighters to stake their claims and assert their confidence. Prograis’s bold move to play the recording has set the stage for a compelling showdown, with both fighters eager to prove their worth in the ring.
With DAZN set to stream the event worldwide, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The stakes are high, and the drama surrounding the fight is palpable, making this matchup one of the most talked-about events in recent boxing history.