Jack Catterall insisted he had no concerns that he was again about to be involved in a scoring controversy when he awaited the decision at the conclusion of his rematch with Josh Taylor.
The 30 year old was awarded scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 116-113 at Leeds’ First Direct Arena, much to the disgust of Taylor’s promoter Bob Arum.
Catterall’s promoter Eddie Hearn also said that he believed the scores too wide, but there was little question that the impressive Catterall had again outboxed Taylor, 33. During their first fight, in February 2022 for the undisputed super-lightweight title, Taylor was awarded a split-decision, despite Catterall being similarly dominant.
“It’s bittersweet tonight,” Catterall said. “No world titles. I won the fight. We can close that chapter with Josh Taylor.”
“Listen, I believe I won the fight. I took more risks this time. Josh is an elite operator, [former] undisputed world champion. We knew we were up against it, but I went through the gears, boxed with my smarts, and even in the second half of the fight, the rounds that I was more reserved I was controlling the pace and wasn’t getting hit with big punches. And I was landing clean.
“This time [the decision] came a lot quicker. It was more conclusive. There was a long wait last time, but I knew I’d done it.
“I said to Josh after the fight – there’s been a lot of back and forth and strong words said over the last two years. It got a bit personal. And we shared 24 rounds together, so respect to Josh as well.”
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