LEEDS, England — Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall, bitter rivals, will finally square off in a highly awaited rematch on Saturday, April 27, at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, after more than two years of waiting.
Following their first bout, in which Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) a 33-year old boxer from Scotland preserved his undefeated record with a highly controversial split decision points victory to keep his then-undisputed super-lightweight title, fierce controversy broke out.
Taylor was stopped by Catterall in the eighth round after he had been cut twice in the exciting bout, and he lost one point in the eleventh for punching after the bell. Meanwhile, Catterall lost a point for holding during the tenth.
Although Jack Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs) seemed to outbox Taylor for extended periods of time, Taylor managed to hold onto his championships and Catterall, 30, from England eventually suffered his first defeat of the fight. There has been animosity between the two boxing fans ever since the decision, which infuriated some of them.
The bitter rivals will face off again in a 12-round super-lightweight fight on neutral ground in what is one of the most highly awaited rematches in contemporary British boxing history. There will undoubtedly be a lot of tension and hatred piled up in a spectacular build-up.
“I’ve never run from anyone in my life, especially not Jack Catterall. He has spent the last two years running from promoter to promoter while living off my name. Jack should be careful what he wishes for because he’s getting battered on April 27. I am going to enjoy every second of this. See you soon, Jack,” said Taylor in media reports.
“I’ve wanted this fight since the moment the scorecards got read out in Glasgow. A few people say ‘move on Jack’, and that’s easy to say when you’re not in my position. I get asked every day of my life multiple times a day, ‘when are you fighting Taylor again?’ This isn’t about belts, this is personal to me and I can’t wait to get my hands on him. I don’t like him, I don’t respect him and on April 27 I’m going to end him,” said Catterall in media reports.
