Jack Catterall recovered from a fifth-round knockdown to flooring Regis Prograis twice and safe a unanimous factors win over the American at Co-Op Dwell in Manchester.
Chorley’s Catterall, who avenged his defeat to Scotland’s former world champion Josh Taylor in Could, dropped super-lightweight rival Prograis twice in fast succession within the ninth on his method to a convincing win.
The judges scored the competition 117-108, 116-109, 116-109 in Catterall’s favour because the 31-year-old received the WBO Worldwide belt and moved nearer to a shot at a world title.
After 4 skilful however uneventful opening rounds, Catterall was surprised by a left cross within the fifth, which landed on his temple, and after being caught once more with a proper hook, his glove touched the ground and he was given a standing depend.
Prograis continued to power the problem within the sixth as each fighters let the punches fly in some brutal exchanges.
Catterall was handled for a reduce on his hairline on the finish of the seventh, however simply because the American started to develop in stature, Catterall got here storming again into the competition within the ninth.
A brilliantly-timed left cross despatched Prograis to the canvas and earlier than he might get well one other booming left put him down once more.
Each fighters threw warning to the wind, nevertheless it was Catterall who completed the stronger, with Prograis trying unsteady on his toes for the final three rounds.
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