The two fighters brought differing approaches to this bout. Prograis, perhaps with the knowledge that his headlining days are numbered, provided most of the headlines in the build-up – from claiming Catterall was “nothing special” to broadcasting voice notes from the Briton’s manager at a news conference.

While the New Orleans man was the one bringing the needle, Catterall – never a natural showman – cut an altogether more focused figure.

That continued into the ringwalks, where Prograis entered to Central Cee’s Band4Band which includes the lyrics “it’s got to the point that I don’t even care, I got jewels in the safe that I don’t even wear”.

And it could be seen in the opening couple of rounds, where Catterall looked nervous and unable to assert himself in the early stages.

But after a serious talking-to from his corner, Catterall aimed to take the front foot and it paid off as he rocked Prograis with a hammering left.

The only serious worry for Catterall came in the fifth round, but he insisted it was a slip rather than a knockdown and he showed no ill-effects for the remainder of the bout – and in round nine, he showed his class.

Prograis, clearly with nothing to lose, almost turned into a cartoon character such were his wheeling arms and attempts to land killer blows. Twice he swung himself clean off his feet, including in the final round as he knew a knockout was needed.

Catterall kept his cool, his distance, and earned the win. While Prograis has two world titles from a stellar career, Catterall – although only four years younger than the American – has yet to truly catapult himself into conversations about elite fighters despite undoubted talent.

That could now all change after a terrific 12 months, and another assured victory.