The two fighters brought differing approaches to this bout. Prograis, perhaps with the knowledge that his big fight days are numbered, provided most of the headlines in the build-up – from claiming Catterall was “nothing special” to broadcasting voice notes from the Briton’s manager at a news conference.
While the New Orleans man was the one bringing the needle, Catterall – never a natural showman – cut an altogether more focused figure.
That continued into the ringwalks, where Prograis entered to Central Cee’s Band4Band which includes the lyrics “it’s got to the point that I don’t even care, I got jewels in the safe that I don’t even wear”.
And it could be seen in the opening couple of rounds, where Catterall looked nervous and unable to assert himself in the early stages.
But after a serious talking-to from his corner, Catterall aimed to take the front foot and it paid off as he rocked Prograis with a hammering left.
The only serious worry for Catterall came in the fifth round, but after the fight he insisted it was a slip rather than a knockdown and he showed no ill-effects for the remainder of the bout. Then in round nine, he showed his class.
Prograis, clearly with nothing to lose, almost turned into a cartoon character such were his wheeling arms and attempts to land killer blows, much to the delight of the partisan crowd.
Catterall kept his cool, his distance, and earned the win. While Prograis has two world titles from a stellar career, Catterall – although only four years younger than the American – has yet to truly catapult himself into conversations about elite fighters despite undoubted talent.
That could now all change after a terrific 12 months, and another assured victory.
