Regis Prograis returns to the ring on Saturday night after a ten-month absence as he squares up to Jack Catterall live on DAZN.
American Prograis fights for the first time this year, after losing his WBC title to Devin Haney by unanimous decision in San Francisco in December, just his second career defeat.
Catterall, 31, stands in his way at the Co-op Live, Manchester, UK, on Saturday. A fighter who has suffered only one loss - a split decision to Josh Taylor in 2022 - Catterall is now on a three-bout winning run since that L, including a revenge victory over Taylor last time out.
The fight is an intriguing match-up, with two perfect-partnered fighters. Catterall boasts a 29-1 record, with 13 knockouts, and Prograis comes into the contest at 29-2, with 23 KOs, with his only other defeat coming against the standout Taylor.
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While Lancashire lad Catterall has proven his bouncebackability following that 2022 Taylor loss, Prograis rocks into the ring with question marks over his head as to whether he has the ability to do the same.
But the New Orleans-born southpaw has left no one in any doubt of his mental strength and focus coming into this Manchester battle, delivering a simple warning to Catterall and the boxing world.
Writing on his Instagram account, the two-time world champion simply stated "Don’t write me off…..", along with a video montage of him looking focused and powerful while being put through his paces in the gym.
Prograis, 35, has also taken inspiration from one of the world's biggest football clubs. He's made the most of his time in England to take in a Manchester United game at the weekend at Old Trafford, as the 13-time Premier League champions came from a goal down to beat Brentford 2-1.
Clearly motivated by that comeback victory, Prograis posted "One win in Manchester already. Into the Lion’s Den this Saturday hunting another".
A further sign of the American's determination to get back to winning ways has been in his sacrifice to miss his son's 11th birthday, flying to the UK for his final preparations before his eldest's big day.
Prograis said: "I know you are too young to fully understand why I’m not there to celebrate with you today. These sacrifices will pay off in your future and we will celebrate when I get back home!"
He will hope that sacrifice pays off and there is no sign of ring rust on Saturday night as he aims to get back on trail to become a three-time world champ.
Watch Catterall vs. Prograis on DAZN this Saturday
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