Jack Catterall is back in action this weekend when he looks to take one step closer a world title shot when he faces Regis Prograis, live on DAZN.
The contest, one of the best fights that can be made at super-lightweight, will see two of the world’s best boxers square off, with the victor almost certain to compete for the biggest prizes in 2025.
Headlining in Manchester is intended to bring the best out of Catterall and another 140lbs fighter who knows all about that is Ricky Hatton.
The former superstar of British boxing delighted fans in his home city before becoming a huge star in America in fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
In the latest instalment of the DAZN Fantasy Fight features, Hatton vs. Catterall in front of a huge Manchester crowd is the next bout we’ll look at.
Ricky Hatton
The darling of British boxing for the best part of a decade, Ricky Hatton ensured his beloved Manchester Arena became one of the best sporting atmospheres as many away fighters wilted under the pressure it generated.
A solid amateur campaigner, Hatton turned professional in 1997 and quickly demonstrated a fan friendly style that was to remain with him for the entirety of his career.
After winning British honours in 2000 following a bloody battle with Jon Thaxton, it was obvious that Hatton was on his way to bigger things and his carefully planned route to world level began to take shape.
Wins of fringe contenders such as Ben Tackie, Eamonn Magee, and Vince Phillips provided Hatton with the tough rounds required to be world champion, and he finally got his chance to prove himself in the summer of 2005.
Facing Kostya Tszyu, one of the best fighters on the planet, Hatton displayed immense courage to meet the Australian based fighter head on in a gruelling battle in front of a raucous crowd in Manchester.
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Tszyu, following an energy destroying contest, refused to answer the bell for the final round, and an emotional Hatton sunk to his knees to celebrate becoming world champion.
Not content with defeating one modern great, Hatton would embark on an incredible American adventure in an attempt to enhance his legacy but stoppage losses to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao took their toll on Hatton who took time away from the sport in 2009.
A 2012 return against Vyacheslav Senchenko didn't go to plan as he was stopped with a body shot, once Hatton’s trademark shot, and that was his final professional contest.
At his peak, Hatton was a menacing fighter who set a ferocious pace who often outlasted opponents due to his incredible levels of stamina.
With quick feet that allowed him to get close to his rivals, Hatton’s strength and work on the inside allowed him to attack the body and that’s where he caused damage.
Outside the ring, Hatton would put weight on in-between fights due to poor diet habits, but when in camp, he was like a man possessed, and that attitude followed him into the ring.
Arguably Britain's most loved fighter, Hatton’s reputation is a glittering one and at his best, he was correctly seen as one of the best fighters in the world.
Jack Catterall
Turning professional in the aftermath of the 2012 Olympics, Jack Catterall, who didn’t compete in the summer games, had to endure a quiet start to his career as British boxing focused its attention on the successful Olympians.
In 2014, Catterall scored two brilliant stoppages over Nathan Brough and Tom Stalker, and everyone was now aware of the quality he possessed.
Despite a steady climb up the rankings beating respectable names, Catterall would have to wait until 2022 to get his first world title opportunity and it came in the shape of Josh Taylor for undisputed honours at super-lightweight.
Catterall produced the performance of his career as he dropped the unbeaten Scotsman as well as dominating large portions of the fight. That wasn't enough though as the judges controversially scored for Taylor.
Despite the entire boxing world demanding an immediate rematch, Catterall had to be patient, and he registered a win over former world champion, Jorge Linares, as he remained busy.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
In 2024, Catterall finally got his opportunity to avenge his defeat to Taylor, and he made up for it with a solid showing in a hard-fought encounter, that ensured he took a points win.
Using his southpaw stance to great effect, Catterall’s style is a difficult one to work out and he combines that with a precise output where he hardly wastes a shot.
A decent puncher, Catterall’s strength is focused on accuracy and pressure, but he does possess enough artillery to hurt opponents as evidenced when he dropped Taylor.
Very fit and experienced, Catterall is no stranger to the 12-round distance and he’s able to control the pace effectively which means he’s often in control and assured.
The big test could be in front of Catterall, but he's provided enough quality moments to convince most in the boxing industry that he’ll be fine amongst the game’s best fighters.
Hatton vs. Catterall – The Fight
Making use of his southpaw stance, Catterall looks to frustrate Hatton in the fight’s early stages as he uses his jab and holds a lot to prevent Hatton from building any momentum.
With the pair coming together often, numerous head clashes open a cut above Hatton’s eye, but the blood pushes him on as he begins to take more chances due to his belief the referee could stop the bout.
At the halfway point, Catterall has a decent lead, but the fight is taking more from him then it is Hatton, and his early industry has taken a massive dip.
The crowd, the majority in favour of Hatton, can sense the shift, and Hatton is feeding off their energy as he continues to target Catterall’s body.
The man from Chorley is doing all he can to resist the onslaught from Hatton, but his infrequent attacks are not having any impact on Hatton who just continues to move forward.
Catterall looks exhausted in the final session after fighting at such a frantic pace and absorbing numerous assaults to the body, but he shows incredible resolve to hear the final bell.
Hatton is handed clear verdicts on the scorecards as his fans show plenty of respect for the efforts from both fighters.
DAZN Fantasy fights
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