JACK CATTERALL secured a stunning victory over Regis Prograis that should propel him straight into world title contention.
Catterall took a wide 117-108, 116-109, 116-109 unanimous decision in front of a raucous crowd in Manchester.
The Chorley brawler started relatively in a controlled and measured fashion ticking off rounds in a tight contest.
He then had to take a marginal standing count in round five before really turning on the pressure in the latter rounds.
Having turned up the pace, El Gato scored two knockdowns of his own with some brutal lefts that sent veteran Prograis spinning.
The win for Catterall, who secured great wins over Josh Taylor and Jorge Linares in his previous two fights, should see him fight for a world title next – with promoter Eddie Hearn certainly pushing for that with his post-fight interview.
Hearn said: “This guy is probably the most underrated fighter in the world.
“In 11 months he’s beat Jorge Linares, Josh Taylor, now Regis Prograis. All in 11 months.
“This man needs a world title shot next… We have Liam Paro vs Richardson Hitchins on Dec 7.
“The winner of that fight, we want to put that [offer] straight to them to fight Jack Catterall next.
“He should be number one with the WBO. I would love to bring Teofimo Lopez to Manchester and give him a good arse kicking.”
Prograis, a two-time world champion, appeared to call time on his career after the defeat.
He said: “I’ve had my time in the sun, now it’s time for the young ones.
“I’m gonna do something else and let the young guys take over.”
Prograis added: “Jack was just better, that’s all. Jack was the better man, I’m not gonna lie.
“He definitely deserves a world title fight next. Good luck Jack. You’re really good.
“I’ve fought the best and you were the best out of all of them.”
