Boxing
Exclusive: Jack Catterall Unveils Unexpected Ally Ahead of Prograis Showdown
Jack Catterall, gearing up for his showdown with Regis Prograis, credits Sir Lindsay Hoyle for bolstering his career and rallying local support. The Chorley-born boxer, who recently avenged his sole defeat against Josh Taylor, eagerly anticipates his Manchester bout against the former world champion.
Image Credits: George Wood/Getty Images
Jack Catterall is always prepared to fight Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s corner after thanking the leading politician for helping to put him in the frame for a world title shot.
Support from a Political Ally
The Chorley born super lightweight, who faces Regis Prograis in Manchester next month, identified the former Speaker of the House as one of his biggest cheerleaders ahead of next month’s potentially explosive meeting with the former world champion.
Political Controversy and Local Loyalty
Sir Lindsay found himself at the centre of controversy earlier this year when he was accused of breaking with convention during a debate on a potential ceasefire in Gaza.
Despite facing calls to resign from Conservative and SNP benches, Catterall’s local MP can count on the boxer’s support.
“He’s (Lindsay) always helped me and my career whenever he can,” Catterall told SportsBoom.com.
“Whenever I’m getting ready to go into the ring, he always sends me messages of support and does whatever he can to try and engage the people of our area to get behind me.”
Image Credits: BBC
Josh Taylor Saga Over
Defeated just once in 30 professional bouts, Catterall claimed the 29th and sweetest victory of his burgeoning career when he beat ex-undisputed champion Josh Taylor in May.
Revenge for the Scot’s contentious points verdict when the pair first met two years earlier, that triumph had been expected to see Catterall challenge for one of the stacked division’s four belts later this summer.
But he jumped at the chance to do battle with Prograis when the American, who has previously held the WBC and WBA belts, offered to travel to Manchester on August 24. Prograis counts Terry Flanagan and Jose Zepeda among his previous victims.
“I’ve been sitting on the shelf for too long in the past. I didn’t want to be waiting until the back end of the year or maybe early next for a shot. I’ve had momentum and I don’t want to be waiting for fights that might not happen.”
“It’s important I stay busy. After beating Josh, it was straight back to the gym.”
“This is a huge fight for me and also for Regis. It’s pivotal for both of us and it’s one that really excites me, probably the biggest it’s possible to get without a title being on the line,” Catterall concluded.
That chapter with Josh is closed. It’s a new chapter now.
Jack Catterall
Community Connections
“My family has been friends with his family for a while. I’ve been fortunate to be invited to events at the town hall and to have been in his presence on quite a few occasions.”
“He’s born and bred around here (Lancashire) and he’s always been there for me.”
“He’s always got behind me and done whatever he can - the same as he does for lots of other people around here.”
Catterall added: “He’s a difficult man to track down at times because he’s always very busy. But when we do meet in person, we always have a great catch-up.”
“Sir Lindsay is a very down to earth and relatable bloke. I always try to do my best for the town and so does he.”
Sir Lindsay served as Chorley’s mayor and MP before succeeding Sir John Bercow in 2019.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.