If fans love anything, it’s a late surge and a splendid comeback in the fight. It’s exactly what Jack Catterall did when he took a knee in the fifth round of his fight with Regis Prograis. Not only did he stand tall after trading punches for 12 rounds but also asserted his right to the championship gold. He is now set to challenge the absolute best and disrupt the hierarchy of the division. But can he do it against the top names?

Catterall, 31, has had a splendid 2024, where he avenged his controversial loss against Josh Taylor, and with another thumping win against Prograis, he has put the champions at 140 on alert. The British even extended his hit list and included Devin Haney in its fold as he asked Bill Haney to send his son to the UK. Can he add Haney, 25, to the list of his victims?

Jack Catterall vs. Devin Haney: a stylistic matchup

Catterall had first set his eyes on ‘The Dream’ last year, as he floated speculations of a fight with him. Instead of vouching for his victory, the 30-1 record holder believed Haney’s technical skills and ability to set the rhythm would have triumphed over his power punching. But the boxing landscape has changed a bit since.

Haney, at 31-0, had been handed down a beating by Ryan Garcia, who could catch him lacking with his sudden outbursts. In addition, ‘KingRy’s use of the hooks proved a crucial factor. Fighting in a southpaw stance and with heavy-handed punches, Catterall is the closest one could come to Garcia. He could target Haney’s body, close the gap, and not allow the American fighter to dictate the distance and pace. What’s more? Haney’s vulnerability with hard punches is now an open secret, and he might be more susceptible to damage and eventual loss than what Catterall would have predicted a year ago.

It’s a really close fight to call. Given Catterall’s recent form and conditioning, he might have a marginal edge right now. But the San Francisco native’s technical prowess and ability to adjust could prove critical in the fight. It might not be enough to make him the eventual victor in a closely contested affair. However, the Chorley native has another name on the top of his list, Teofimo Lopez.

Jack Catterall vs. Teofimo Lopez: fancy fight, fancy chances

Now it’s a fight that the fans would pay for and watch live. The hypothetical fight has the traction and is the most practical fight on the list. Lopez, 27, is on a five-fight winning streak and has successfully defended his title twice, relying on his ring generalship and aggression. His powerful punches are second to none on the list, and whenever the two clash, the fans can expect fireworks.

However, Lopez, at 21-1, has attracted flak for his recent performances and has left a lot to be desired. While the WBO champion boasts of championship experience, his credentials come with a question mark. He hasn’t faced stiff competition, and whenever he has, he has found himself on the ropes and barely made it out with a win. But ‘The Takeover’ brings explosive power, speed, and adaptive ability to the table, which makes him a formidable opponent. Whereas Catterall could put his defensive skills and counter-attacking skills to the best use.

All ‘El Gato’ needs to do is to be sharp on his reflexes, rely on counters, control the pace with his jabs and quick footwork, and the fans can see him leave the arena with the WBO gold on his waist. But Lopez knows how to squeeze out a win, doesn’t he? Will the champion take the fight? No one is sure. If the fans can’t have the fight, then there is another newly crowned champion in Liam Paro.

Liam Paro: sitting on the champion’s throne

If there is a fight where Catterall will lick his lips before going into action, it’s this fight. Paro, 28, did the unthinkable when he defeated the division’s boogeyman, Subriel Matias, this June. The Australian champion has good movement, employs a jab, and launches attacks while putting forward pressure. But he hasn’t exactly faced the kind of competition that Catterall has. Despite being a younger fighter, the IBF champion has adopted a fight-a-year policy since 2022, making ring rust a bigger concern.

Catterall needs to utilize his experience, be quick on his footwork, and use his hand speed to avoid Paro’s punches. The key to winning the fight would be neutralizing the champion’s jab, and given Catterall’s fighting style, experience, and conditioning, it won’t prove to be a big task. But Paro just had the taste of a championship, and they say becoming a champion adds to your confidence and gives a boost to one’s skills. Will that be the case? It remains to be seen.

What do you make of these hypothetical fights involving Jack Catterall? Do you think he will dislodge a champion next? Let us know in the comments below.