TAYLOR vs. Catterall II – One of the biggest controversies in British boxing finally gets run back this weekend when Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall meet in a rematch on neutral territory at Leeds’ First Direct Arena.

I was stood slack jawed at ringside in Glasgow two years ago, watching Taylor and his team celebrate a points decision victory that sucked all the oxygen out of the Scottish air.

One of the most important nights in British boxing – the first time an undisputed crown would be contested in the UK and by two Brits – felt tarnished as the judges returned scorecards that many – myself included – failed to reflect the earlier action in the ring.

Two of the three scoring judges on February 26th 2022, left me feeling nauseous. And, 27 months on, I am still eager to wash that taste from my throat.

TARTAN TORNADO

At the time of their first fight, Taylor was at the very top of British boxing and recognised on the world pound-for-pound list.

It took just 15 fights for ‘The Tartan Tornado’ to be crowned super-lightweight world champion, and three more wins to unify the division.

With one of the most impressive resumes in boxing, Taylor not only collected all the belts at 140lb but he did so against a stellar line-up of champions and challengers.

In the five fights leading up to the Catterall defence, Taylor’s opponents’ records combined read 107 wins against zero losses. And all were dispatched in style.

 

EL GATO

However, a crucial factor in Josh being able to clean-sweep the belts was Catterall stepping aside from his #1 contender spot, with a promise of challenging for all the belts first.

When they did meet, despite Catterall also being unbeaten across 26 fights, Taylor was the overriding favourite. Other than a stint as British champion, the challenger climbed the world ranks with wins over lesser opponents.

But when the opening bell rang out in Glasgow, Catterall started fast and was already up on my scorecard before dropping Taylor in the eighth round.

Roared on by the home support, the champion came back and Catterall was deducted a point for holding in the 10th.

But, at the final bell, the silence in the room spoke volumes. Only for two of the judges to fail both men.

In victory, Taylor was lambasted. The same fans that carried him into the arena, booed him out. Later, his family suffered horrific online abuse for a decision he had no control over.

Catterall’s career also hit the skids. Not only did his chances of making history by winning all four belts evaporate, but he also become king of the who needs him club: High risk, zero reward.

THE REMATCH

Taylor, 33, was not only stripped of all but one of his world titles in the aftermath, but also lost the final crown in his first official defeat to Teofimo Lopez in his only outing last year.

Catterall, 30, has managed two routine points wins after finding himself disgustingly frozen out by the four-world title governing bodies.

In reality, neither have anywhere else to go.

Taylor was off the pace first time around, complaining of outgrowing the weight and perhaps overlooking Catterall’s contendership. He won’t make that mistake again.

The Chorley southpaw, meanwhile, dropped the performance of his career in Glasgow, but his Taylor gameplan is a secret no more. Has he got anything more to give?

Redemption awaits the victor. I just hope the outcome is free from controversy.

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NICK’S TIP

A real domestic dust-up to whet the appetite. A tagline of ‘Hate runs Deep’ doesn’t do this one justice, as two men with a genuine dislike for each other put it on the line ina real Battle of Britain grudge match. My prediction?

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