Worthy winner Catterall eyes another shot at the world title

​The Chorley boxer put the former two-time world lightweight champion down twice in the ninth round, although had to take a standing eight-count himself in the fifth.

However, the general consensus ringside was that Catterall had enjoyed the better of the 12-round contest overall and that was reflected at the end by all three judges.

He was handed an unanimous decision with two of the judges scoring it 116-109, 116-109 with the other favouring the former European champion 117-108.

Catterall insisted he was a worthy winner but felt American Prograis had given him trouble at times during the bout.

"I didn’t judge it while I was fighting but I will watch it back,” Catterall said.

"I feel that I won the fight but maybe not as wide as what I heard from the first card and I said that to Regis.

"There’s a lot of criticisms of the scorecards but I will watch it back.

"It did feel it was a bit wide but I do feel the right man got the decision.”

The stage is now set for Catterall to fight for a world title once more next year.

The last time he did so was a couple of years ago when he was controversially beaten by domestic rival Josh Taylor in Glasgow on points.

The Scot earned a split decision despite most observers believing the Chorley ace was the winner.

He has since avenged the only defeat on his record earlier this year but that fight had no titles resting on it.

His options are varied at his weight with several men holding versions of the world title belt.

"I feel like it (the last 12 months) have been a rebirth,” he said.

"I have linked up with Sam Jones (manager) and Eddie Hearn at Matchroom Boxing.

"I feel like I have gone from strength to strength. I boxed Darragh Foley last year and since then I have headlined three shows in the UK and hopefully we are getting closer to a world title.”