Few British rivalries have been as heated as the one between Jack Catterall and Josh Taylor in recent years and now Catterall has another major incentive if he is able to defeat his opponent.
Chorley’s Catterall is confident that defeating his long-time rival this Saturday at the First Direct Arena in Leeds will set him on the path to a coveted world title shot in the super lightweight division.
In this much anticipated rematch, Catterall, with a record of 28-1, including 13 knockouts, believes that a clear victory over Taylor, the former undisputed 140-pound champion, will firmly establish his presence among boxing’s elite.
Their intense feud dates back to February 2022 when they clashed at The OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow. Taylor’s contentious split decision win in their initial encounter fuelled heated discussions and controversy in the boxing community.
Speaking via his promoter Matchroom Boxing, Catterall explained what has happened in those two years.
“I think we’ve had two years since the fight where I’ve matured in and out of the ring. I’ve been doing a lot of developing and I think it’s my time now to prove that I do belong in these big fights. Once I beat Josh I’ll go on and win a world title.
“I want to prove myself and fight the best, if this is the fight and victory that I need to put myself one step closer to the world titles, then game on.
“I want to be involved in big fights and this is a big fight. It would have been the cherry on top if we could have got it for a world title, I have ambitions to go on and win a World Title, but this fight is worthy of a World Title, and it gets me up for it.”
He went to say how much he dislikes Taylor as a person.
“He’s not my type of person. I don’t think we would go out for a coffee or a beer. I just don’t like him. I can’t wait to stop talking about him. I want to beat him in every way possible. I want to make it slow and painful, but I also want to knock him out cold.
“He should enjoy this, it’s probably going to be his last fight. There’s no room to hide Josh. Rival, enemy – Josh Taylor is that to me. The judges can’t save him. I can’t f***ing wait.”
There are now just hours to go until we find out once and for all who will come out on top.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.