Another unfortunate twist for Co-op Live as the Jack Catterall vs Regis Prograis fight has been postponed.
The Chorley-born and bred boxer was due to take on the American fighter and two-time world champion at the brand-new arena next month but the 31-year-old has suffered an injury which has ultimately ruled him out from fighting as planned.
Having grown up just down the road, Catterall has fought four times in Manchester – most recently in May 2023 with a win by unanimous decision against Darragh Foley – but his next local bout is sadly being pushed back following a fitness issue.
Talk of the fight being called off first broke on Tuesday evening, with ESPN’s MikeCoppinger sharing details on social media, but the reports have now been fully confirmed by promoters Matchroom Boxing and the man himself.
Speaking in a frustrated and apologetic statement on his Instagram, Catterall wrote: “For the first time in my 30-fight career, I’ve had to withdraw due to injury.
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“I want to apologise to everyone who’s bought tickets and made plans to come to the fight. Refunds are available from [the] point of purchase. I’m hoping to have a new date very soon.
“Apologies to my opponent Regis. My health comes first and I always want to ensure I’m at 100% walking into the ring. Thanks again for your continued support, see you all very soon.”
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Although the details surrounding the injury are yet to be disclosed, it isn’t thought to be serious; nevertheless, the Lancashire lad simply won’t be back fit and ready in time to face Prograis.
The fight itself is looking like it will be rescheduled for the fall, most likely October if sources are to be believed, and the arena will be coordinating with those who bought tickets accordingly should they be unable to make the new date and require a refund.
Catterall recently took part in a charity 5k alongside fellow Chorley athlete, Reece Brown, who recently won his first marathon after smashing the Liverpool Half just six months into his running career. The run was set up in partnership with Matchroom to help promote the fight and looked raring to go.
The venue has had a lot of bad luck on its side since first opening back in April, with multiple setbacks delaying the launch and other unforeseen circumstances such as Nicki Minaj and Stevie Nick both having to rearrange dates.
That being said, the flurry of massive gigs is now flowing and the crowds that gathered inside Co-op Live arena for UFC 304 this past weekend, their first-ever sporting event, were sensational and got to sit back and watch as two regional stars prevailed in fine fashion.
Scouse MMA star Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett added another victory to his unbeaten streak and Greater Manchester native Tom Aspinall defended his interim heavyweight title for the first time during the rematch against Curtis Blaydes with a ruthless stoppage in the first round.
Featured Images — Press Image via DAZN/Matchroom Boxing/Co-op Live (supplied)
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Man City fan jailed after causing £10k damage to a police vehicle following Champions League victory
Emily Sergeant
A Manchester City fan has been jailed for his part in large-scale disorder following the club’s Champions League victory.
The court heard how, following Manchester City’s Champions League Final win over Inter Milan in Istanbul in Turkey on Saturday 10 June 2023, jubilant fans flocked to the streets of Manchester city centre for late-night celebrations.
The large influx of fans in high spirits prompted a police response to ‘ensure public safety’ and ‘prevent any public disorder’, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
However, the disorder did begin to escalate despite police presence.
A number of fans, including 22-year-old Leon Blackett, scaled a police vehicle and proceeded to jump up and down on it, which subsequently caused more than £10,000 worth of damage, and resulted in the vehicle having to be written off.
#JAILED | Leon Blackett (14/01/2003) of Craigmore Avenue, has been been handed a three-month jail term for causing £10k worth of damage to a police vehicle following the club's Champions League win in 2023, along with 41 months for other offences.
Following the disorder, an investigation was launched by GMP’s City Centre policing, with officers obtaining social media and CCTV footage that helped them to identify those responsible.
Blackett admitted to the offence, after he was arrested on Thursday 19 October 2023.
Following admitting to the offence, Blackett was sentenced to 44 months in prison – a three-month jail term for this football-related offence, along with 41 months for possession of a bladed article and a domestic related communications offence.
He has also been given a seven-year Football Banning Order, commencing on the day Blackett received his sentence.
“The actions by Blackett in the wake of Manchester City’s historic Champions League Final victory were completely unacceptable,” commented PC Matt Ford, from GMP’s Specialist Operations Planning Unit.
“This is a timely reminder to those who commit crimes while following the football in another country, we will seek prosecutions for unacceptable behaviour.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Six Nations to stay free-to-air as broadcasters strike new TV deal
Danny Jones
Good news for rugby fans as the Guinness Six Nations is set to remain free-to-air for the foreseeable future following a new deal being struck between the competition and its current broadcasters.
With the 2025 tournament approaching its conclusion, the organisers are already looking ahead to the next year and how to contest will be marketed, with many predicting the rights to be snapped up by a major sporting channel.
Fortunately, however, the Six Nations‘ present coverage partners have managed to keep the games as part of the current TV license package after striking a new four-year deal.
The agreement between BBC and ITV, who air all of the annual fixtures between them at the moment, will see the pair host the matches until 2029 at the very least.
As mentioned, it was thought that broadcasters and streaming platforms like TNT Sports might secure the licensing for at least part of the tournament as they continue to expand their large and varied service but, for now, UK coverage is staying right where it is.
Under the new contract, ITV will show 10 games per season, including every England match, while the BBC will air the remaining five fixtures.
BBC will also host all Wales and Scotland home games bar when the two nations play England at Murrayfieldand the Principality Stadiums, respectively.
Better still, not only will the men’s competition be staying free-to-air but BBC will continue to show every game during the Women’s Six Nations as the interest in female rugby continues to grow.
In fact, it’s having quite a boom here in Greater Manchester on its own.
Greater Mancs making strides for the next generation.
This year’s tournament has been as blockbuster and nail-baiting as ever, with England still in with a chance of winning the whole thing if they beat Wales with a bonus point – provided France fail to beat Scotland in the final game.
England’s last game gets underway at 4:45pm and it’s all to play for.
You can find all the best places to watch the remainder of the action down below:
Danny Jones -
31st July 2024 
