Rematches are a common occurrence in boxing, but rarely do they carry as much bitterness and pride as the upcoming showdown between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall this Saturday night, with the winner set to go on to big things according to Eddie Hearn.
In their initial bout in February 2022, Taylor defended his four light-welterweight world titles as the undisputed champion against Catterall.
Despite widespread belief among observers that Catterall had won the contest, Taylor was awarded the victory on contentious scorecards from judges Ian John-Lewis and Victor Loughlin.
Taylor faced backlash, including attacks on him and his family, following his controversial split-decision win.
While a rematch has been discussed for some time, it has been postponed on four separate occasions. A December rematch was cancelled due to Taylor’s knee injury, followed by a planned February 2023 bout, which was later rescheduled.
Speaking to Matchrom Boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed his excitement for the fight.
“I can’t wait. There’s probably no better time coming off the back of a brilliant event in Saudi, and then wedged in between that and the 5vs5 is probably the biggest British fight of the year.
“We know the rivalry is bitter, fight week is going to be incredible. I think we’re going to get a great fight as well. 11,000 is the First Direct Arena – the atmosphere is going to be off the charts.”
He then spoke of the extra spice the needle brings to the fight.
“These are the fights that you want to make. The fight has everything. You know the history. You don’t even need to talk about it anymore. Every time you bring these guys together it’s almost attack on site. I can’t wait for them to get in the ring and actually hear the first bell.”
Hearn believes his man Catterall will come away with he win this time and then revealed the plans he has for him and the hopes he has for him to win a world title.
“I believe he will beat Josh Taylor at the weekend and if he does he’s going to land himself, undoubtedly, a shot at a World Title at 140. The profile of the fight is going to give him the shot. You’ve got Subriel Matias, he fights Liam Paro coming up, Jack could fight the winner of that fight. Even without a World Title he could fight a Regis Prograis or another big fight in America.
“Richardson Hitchins or another one of our guys at 140. Then you’ve got Devin Haney, he will fight Sandor Martin probably this summer. The winner of that could fight the winner of Taylor against Catterall. Lots of opportunities out there at 140 but this is one of the flagship fights of the division.”
Finally, he gave his prediction for how the fight might go.
“This time around I think you’ll see them engage a lot more. Both are a little bit more long in the tooth now. They don’t want to go the 12 rounds. They want to go in there and have a tear-up. That’s why I think it will be a great fight.
“A lot of people feel that if you’re backing Jack Catterall, you back him on points in this fight. I actually like the stoppage for Jack Catterall. I think it’s going to be a hot-headed fight.”
Taylor, who became the undisputed light welterweight champion with a memorable victory over Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas three years ago, has always dismissed accusations of avoiding a rematch and now we finally get to see the pair settle their differences once and for all.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.