Jack Catterall cemented his status as an elite contender following his compelling 12-round battle with Regis Prograis at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
The 31-year-old entered yesterday’s super lightweight bout following a scintillating victory over Josh Taylor, comprehensively outpointing his domestic rival after controversially losing their first encounter.
And now, the Brit has removed any doubt over his world level credentials, flooring Prograis twice before securing a unanimous decision victory.
But still, while he continues to chase the likes of Teofimo Lopez and Liam Paro, one suspects that the slippery southpaw may struggle to pin down a world champion at 140 lbs.
- Read More [Devin Haney pokes fun at Regis Prograis with three-word reaction to devastating Jack Catterall defeat]
Eddie Hearn blasts ‘b***end’ Oscar De La Hoya shortly after Jack Catterall’s victory over Regis Prograis
Responsible for delivering Catterall’s potential world title shot is Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn, who also promotes IBF titlist Paro.
Away from Saturday’s action-packed show, though, the Brit has engaged in another war of words with Hall of Fame boxer and Golden Boy boss Oscar De La Hoya.
The two promoters have seemingly been at loggerheads since Hearn began building his US-based stable, which now includes the likes of Shakur Stevenson and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
But then, as the Matchroom juggernaut started to accelerate its state-side development, its competition with Golden Boy, too, became increasingly more rampant.
Before long, Hearn and De La Hoya had become fierce rivals, with the pair often directing jibes at one another on social media.
And so, the latest development of their rivalry emerged when De La Hoya posted on X saying that Matchroom “ruined” Prograis’ career with the “worst matchmaking in the business.”
At Catterall’s post-fight press conference, Hearn responded by saying, “Oscar De La Hoya is the biggest b***end I’ve ever met in my life.”
Eddie Hearn names Teofimo Lopez as a potential opponent for Jack Catterall
While Paro, who faces American contender Richardson Hitchins on December 7, represents a more realistic matchup, Hearn has nonetheless teased a potential clash between Catterall and Lopez.
Lopez secured his WBO strap after dethroning former undisputed champion Taylor last year, and has made two successful defenses since.
And despite the 27-year-old calling out the likes of Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, Hearn has expressed his desire to make the fight with Catterall.
While being interviewed in the ring, Hearn said: “I would love to bring Teofimo Lopez to Manchester and give him a good arse kicking.”