Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall both weighed in on Friday ahead of their highly-anticipated rematch at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday.
After a contentious split-decision in their first fight, Taylor threatened to move up to the welterweight division, amid reported difficulties making the 140lb limit. Yet, here we are, as he and Catterall are all set for their rematch in the super-lightweight division.
During the aftermath of their first encounter, it was expected that ‘The Tartan Tornado’ would vacate his WBO world title and move up to 147lb, but he instead opted to defend the belt against Teofimo Lopez – where he suffered a first career defeat.
Again, there were rumours that Taylor’s time at the weight was done but the controversy of his fight with Catterall remained, convincing the Scot to remain for what is suspected to be his final contest in the division.
Meanwhile, Catterall has fought twice since losing his undefeated record to Taylor, twice winning by unanimous-decision against both Darragh Foley and Jorge Linares during 2023.
At the Queens Hotel in Leeds, Catterall scaled a steady 138.8lbs, whilst Taylor weighed-in at 139.6lbs after entering the stage to a chorus of boos from the English crowd.
During the face-off, a confident looking Taylor nodded his head whilst Catterall attempted to exchange words, before a brief and intense stare between the pair commenced.
😤 THE FINAL FACE-OFF 👀@joshtaylorboxer vs @jack_catt93 PART 2 🔥🔥#TaylorCatterall2 | @DAZNBoxingpic.twitter.com/3vY0hfrqxE
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 24, 2024
Taylor-Catterall II takes place at the First Direct Arena in Leeds tomorrow night and can be watched live on DAZN, as one of Britain’s most fierce rivalries finally gets settled.
That fight tops an intriguing bill that also features a British cruiserweight title showdown between Chev Clarke and Ellis Zorro.
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