Jack Catterall was unbothered by the drama between his manager Sam Jones and opponent Regis Prograis on Thursday.
At the final press conference ahead of Saturday night’s fight in Manchester, Prograis caused a stir by playing an old voice note Jones sent to him several years ago.
It all kicked off at the final press conferenceMark Robinson/Matchroom
In the audio, Jones could be heard telling Prograis that he would ‘flatten’ Catterall if they fought.
The incident of course left Jones red-faced, but he appeared on talkSPORT Breakfast on Friday to give his side of the story.
“Sometimes you’ve got to just take the the 10-7 round,” Jones laughed.
“But the thing is he’s not fighting me on Saturday, he’s fighting Jack.
“The truth behind that was – I was working for the same promotional company Regis was under.
“And we were trying to convince Regis to take the fight against Jack three years ago when I wasn’t working for Jack.
“I’m hardly going to convince Regis by saying, ‘Oh by the way, Jack’s probably going to soundly outpoint you and punch your face in for 12 rounds – take the fight.’
“So I was just doing what I’m meant to do to try and get Regis into the ring.
“That’s the real truth behind it, but ultimately he’s not fighting my chubby self on Saturday, he’s fighting Jack Catterall. So good luck Regis.”
Asked if Catterall was bothered by the incident, Jones insisted: “Not one bit, not one bit.”
Jones started managing Catterall last yearMark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
As for the fight itself, Jones is now insistent Catterall will emerge victorious.
Asked if they’ll be looking closely at Devin Haney’s win over Prograis from December, Jones replied: “It’s not so much taking tips, Jack’s just got to be himself.
“If Jack’s himself in there, Jack wins the fight.
“Devin Haney and Jack have similarities, but they’re not the same fighter.
“I believe Jack carries a bit more power than than Devin Haney and Devin was managing to hurt Regis quite often in the fight.
“So it’s going to be an interesting fight on Saturday for sure.”