Prograis reveals Duran inspiration for Catterall mission
Regis Prograis is gearing up for his high-stakes super lightweight showdown against Jack Catterall this Saturday, reflecting on his recent reading habits and mindset as he prepares for the fight. Speaking from his home in Houston, Prograis highlighted his affinity for practical reading material, sharing his thoughts on James Allen’s *As A Man Thinketh*, a foundational self-help book.
Prograis, a former two-time world champion, typically reduces his reading during training camps due to his rigorous schedule, which includes training three to four times a day. However, he dedicates two to three hours daily to reading once fights conclude, focusing on materials that he believes will enhance his life and career.
He draws inspiration from boxing legends, notably Roberto Duran, who also faced adversity later in his career. Prograis emphasized the importance of self-perception, stating, “You don’t let nobody tell you who you are. You show them who you are.” With an eye on his upcoming bout, he is determined to redefine expectations and showcase his skills after a lackluster performance against Devin Haney, where he landed only 36 punches across 12 rounds—a record low.
Having trained with Kay Koroma in Las Vegas before returning to Houston, Prograis and his longtime coach Bobby Benton are focusing on simplicity and getting back to his boxing roots. He expressed a renewed joy in the sport, stating, “Now this is back to being fun for me,” which he believes will be a significant advantage against Catterall.
Prograis feels confident about the fight, asserting that simply being himself will lead to victory. He dismissed concerns about Catterall’s skills, suggesting that without his fights against Josh Taylor, Catterall’s resume lacks depth. He concluded with optimism, asserting that if he performs as expected, he will not just win, but dominate.
As fight night approaches, Prograis’s combination of mental clarity, strategic focus, and sheer determination will be pivotal in his quest to reclaim his championship status in the super lightweight division.
