Co-op Live's first boxing event confirmed with Jack Catterall v Regis Prograis set for 23,500 capacity arena

Chorley star Jack Catterall will meet former world champion Regis Prograis at Manchester’s newest arena on Saturday, August 24. 

It comes around a month after UFC 304 as the £365million venue branches out beyond music events. It also marks a shift for boxing in the city with Ricky Hatton, Anthony Crolla and others all having enjoyed major nights at the AO Arena down the years. 

Tim Leiweke, CEO, Oak View Group said: “The biggest and most expensive arena in Europe was not only built for concerts, but to host the biggest boxing events in the UK. 

“With this kind of ambition, we had to partner with legendary promoters. Matchroom and Eddie made a commitment to put together a world class card for our first boxing event, and what a first event this will be. Co-op Live is honoured to welcome home Jack Catterall to Manchester and to host Jack and Regis for our first boxing event at Co-op Live.”

While the fight has been confirmed, with an undercard to follow, ticket details have not been announced. 

Catterall, trained by Salford favourite Jamie Moore, heads into battle on the back of his long-awaited revenge win over bitter rival Josh Taylor. ‘El Gato’ is now eyeing world titles in the super-lightweight division. 

“I’ve waited around for big fights to happen before, sitting around waiting for title shots and it caused me a huge amount of inactivity,” said Catterall. “I’ll never do that again. I asked Eddie Hearn and Sam Jones for the best available fight for August 24 and as soon as they mentioned Regis Prograis I said yes straight away.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Jack Catterall is on a great run and Regis Prograis needs to make a statement in this fight, I think it will be a thriller. I’m also delighted to give this incredible new arena its first live boxing event and it’s going to be a huge show from top to bottom.”

Catterall’s manager Sam Jones said: “Eddie wanted to do a big show at Co-op Live – the first ever boxing event to take place at Manchester’s newest venue. It’s amazing for Jack Catterall to be the first ever boxer to headline there. We’ve gone with the best opponent available and the biggest name; and that’s Regis Prograis.”