Three Potential Next Opponents for Jack Catterall

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend | By Ricky Carroll | Last updated 10/22/23

On Saturday, October 21, Jack Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs) put in a dominant performance to defeat Jorge Linares (47-9, 29 KOs) via unanimous decision at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, winning the WBA Intercontinental super lightweight title. The judges scorecards read 117-111 and 116-112 x2.

Catterall began diligently and boxed patiently in the first couple of rounds before upping the pace, landing straight rights and lefts almost at will. His distance control was brilliant throughout, which saw Linares fall short often during the twelve rounds. It was clear “El Gato” was in control throughout, but his Venezuelan opponent has retained a lot of power, which made sure Catterall remained diligent throughout. After defeating Linares, Big Fight Weekend have decided to look at three potential opponents for the Matchroom Boxing fighter.

Three Potential Opponents for Jack Catterall

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Rematch vs. Josh Taylor

There is clearly no love lost between Catterall and Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs), and this rivalry has seemingly increased since the Scotsman’s controversial win over Catterall. A rematch appears a likely next option for the Chorley-born fighter after Eddie Hearn said: “That has to be made.” If these two are to clash again, it will surely be a tense affair.

Catterall will look to control the distance like he did in their first fight and frustrate the Scotsman. Taylor came on strong later in their clash, and that could see “El Gato” enforce similar tactics to the win over Linares, where he started more diligently before taking control of the contest during the middle rounds and leaving enough to carry this through to the end of the fight.

Winner of Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis

Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) vs. Regis Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) is set to happen on December 9, 2023, on DAZN PPV. Haney is stepping up to 140lbs to take on Prograis – the super lightweight champion for the WBC. Hearn mentioned after Catterall’s win over Linares that the winner of “The Dream” vs. “Rougarou” is an option for the Chorley-born fighter.

Haney has a recent win over Vasiliy Lomachenko and two wins over George Kambosos Jr. “The Dream” has exceptional boxing IQ, which sees him adjust effectively throughout his fights. His hand speed and great footwork make him an awkward opponent to face – making a potential fight with Catterall a fascinating battle of tactics.

Prograis has one defeat on his record, a competitive majority decision loss to Taylor in 2019. “Rougarou” possesses plenty of power, as proven by his 24 KOs during his professional career. Prograis will present a live danger to Catterall as he has a great engine – shifting gears regularly during a fight. He is solid defensively and is effective at slipping opponents counterpunching.

Winner of Subriel Matias vs. Shohjahon Ergashev

Subriel Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) is the current IBF world junior welterweight champion – ready to defend his title against Shohjahon Ergashev (23-0, 20 KOs) on Saturday, November 25, 2023. The winner of this fight would offer “El Gato” the chance to win a world title.

Matias is a KO specialist, with all his wins coming by knockout. His five-round destruction of Jeremias Ponce was impressive and prompted Alberto Zacarias, the trainer of Ponce – to pull his fighter out. Zacarias said after the fight: “[Matias] is a beast. It was like punching a wall. Jeremias’ hands were bouncing off when he landed on Matias. It is something I had never seen. I never saw a fighter that strong.”

Ergashev, the Southpaw from Uzbekistan, is more of an unknown quantity despite winning all 23 professional contests. Like Matias, the Uzbek fighter possesses an impressive amount of raw power. His straight left is his punch of choice, normally following a beautifully timed cross.

Whoever wins between Matias and Ergashev, Catterall will need to be at his elusive best, controlling the distance as he does often and so effectively.

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