By In a highly anticipated rematch held in Leeds, Jack Catterall emerged victorious over Josh Taylor with a unanimous decision, avenging his previous controversial defeat. The judges scored the bout decisively in Catterall’s favor, with two scoring it 117-111 and another 116-113, despite Taylor’s expectation of a closer result.
The fight saw Catterall, a southpaw, effectively utilizing his left hook, while Taylor focused on his jab. Despite an accidental head clash that saw Taylor momentarily push Catterall to the ropes, Catterall quickly regained control with powerful lefts. The match continued with intense exchanges, with Catterall’s punches proving more precise and impactful.
Taylor, once the undisputed world super lightweight champion, showed resilience despite a swelling under his right eye, but it was Catterall’s night as he consistently landed the heavier blows. The fight was evenly matched until Catterall’s right hand in the eleventh round put Taylor in significant trouble.
Their first encounter in February 2022 ended in a split decision favoring Taylor, a verdict that was widely disputed. Since then, both fighters have engaged in a war of words, heightening the stakes for their rematch, which had been postponed twice due to Taylor’s injuries.
Following his win, Catterall has set his sights on a world title fight against WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, who previously defeated Taylor. Catterall expressed his belief in his ability to overcome Lopez and his desire to prove himself as the superior fighter.
Promoter Eddie Hearn praised Catterall’s performance, suggesting that he should have been the undisputed champion and affirming that Catterall has earned his shot at a world title. The boxing community is now abuzz with the possibility of a third bout between Catterall and Taylor to settle the score once and for all.
On the undercard, Chev Clarke claimed the vacant British cruiserweight title with a knockout victory over Ellis Zorro, adding to the night’s excitement. Catterall’s win has not only settled a personal score but has also positioned him for a potential world title challenge, marking a significant milestone in his career.
