Josh Taylor Wants Decisive Third Fight With Jack Catterall

Josh Taylor targeted a third fight with Jack Catterall after seeing his rival awarded a unanimous decision at Leeds’ First Direct Arena.

The 33 year old has lot successive fights, after following his defeat in June 2023 by Teofimo Lopez with Catterall earning scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 116-113.

That he was controversially awarded a controversial split-decision over Catterall when they fought in February 2022 means the long-term rivals have each won two fights. Taylor’s promoter Bob Arum also raged at the scores after they were announced.

“I thought it was a great fight,” Taylor said. “Fair play to Jack. He was a better fighter than the first fight. But listen, I thought I just nicked the fight, to be fair. I thought I just nicked it.

“It was a close fight, but the controversy in the first fight played into the judges’ hands. But I think I just nicked the fight there, to be honest. Listen, fair play to Jack. He won the fight. Let’s do a third one.

“If he wants to go and challenge for bigger fights, he deserves it. But it’s one apiece, so let’s do it. Let’s do a trilogy.

“There always was [respect]. It’s the respect of the fighters. That’s a winning nature, and a competitive nature, and a will to win. There’s always respect. Even with people you dislike, there’s always respect.”