Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall meet again, at last, in Leeds on Saturday night in one of the biggest fights the UK can make today (live on DAZN).
The pair will run back their controversial 2022 first meeting in Scotland, two years on from the hotly-disputed decision victory claimed by Taylor (19-1).
That night Catterall (28-1) confounded the pundits with a brilliant performance which many felt had won him the fight. Turns out he confounded Taylor too.
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The 33-year-old Scot was then the undefeated super-lightweight champion of the world, and riding the crest of a wave. But that night brought him very much back down to earth.
Taylor’s Catterall mistake
As fight week rumbles on in Yorkshire, Taylor admitted: “We’re taking him more seriously for a start. That was the biggest mistake I ever made. The first lesson in the art of warfare is never underestimate your opponent, and that’s what I done last time massively. I almost paid the price for it. I’m not doing that this time.
“He gave me a tough fight last time and I had to dig deep. I know what I’ve got in front of me now and I know the threat that is there now so I’m taking it seriously. I’ve made sure that I’ve covered all bases in training camp this time and I’m feeling good.”
Taylor has come in for a ton of stick since that first meeting – firstly about the result and secondly the perception – certainly in Catterall’s mind – that he has been trying to avoid the rematch for two years. On the contrary, Josh is relishing the prospect.
“We’re finally here. It’s been a long time coming. I’m looking forward to it now. I’ve had a lot of stick but I’ve never taken it personal, but I will be taking it out on Jack on Saturday night.
“It’s just another boxing match. Forget the last fight, forget everything else that has gone on – this is a completely new fight. New fight, new circumstances. No belt on the line. Yes, there’s some beef there but listen, I’m a consummate professional and I’m enjoying fight week. I can’t wait to get in there on Saturday.
