Fireworks at Presser for 140lbs All-British Clash

Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall II has been titled “Hate Runs Deep” and as reported by Dan Rafael on his fight Freaks Unite Substack, there were expected fireworks at the opening press conference for the much-anticipated rematch. The opening presser took place in Edinburgh, Scotland. The fight is set for April 27, and will be a a 12-round nontitle bout at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England.

Fireworks at Taylor vs. Catterall Opening Presser

Taylor vs. Catterall Rivalry

The opening presser in Edinburgh between Taylor and Catterall had the expected fireworks. As soon as the formal part of the presser had finished, the expected face-off saw the Scottish fighter put his hands on Catterall, which prompted the Chorley native to grab the Scotsman around the throat before security stepped in to split them up, which only further riled a boisterous crowd in attendance.

Despite the fireworks during the face-off, Eddie Hearn brought the fighters back for a photo opportunity, which saw more verbals exchanged and an attempted punch from the English fighter, which again riled up all those in attendance. This is just the opening day of what promises to be an eventful build-up between two boxers who share very little to no respect for each other, which stems from the controversial first fight between Taylor and Catterall.

Read More: Jack Catterall Defeats Jorge Linares In Dominant Style

The Chorley-born fighter made it clear how pleased he is the fight has been confirmed: “We’ve finally caught him,” Catterall said. “I don’t believe he wanted to fight me, but he’s here now. He’s showed up and I’m going to smash his head in on April 27. Two years on I’ve stayed in the gym. I’ve picked up two victories since then. He went to New York and got smashed, and I believe he’s on the decline and I am going to capitalize on it and put him to bed.”

Catterall went on to talk about wanting the KO: “Without a shadow of a doubt. I am coming in there to do damage. They’ve titled it ‘Hate Runs Deep,’ but hate is a strong word. I think for me, I don’t care that much about Josh. The respect is not there. Right now he is the enemy and that’s all that I can focus on.”

Taylor Talks Importance of Rematch

“He says he’s coming to knock me out; he’s never knocked anyone out in his life,” Taylor said. “So, we’ll see what happens, I can’t wait for it, it’s going to be class. I don’t hate anyone, but I don’t like this guy and I can’t wait to smash his brains in, what little brains he’s got.”

Read More: Josh Taylor Fires Warning to Jack Catterall Ahead of Rematch

“We’re here now and I’m looking forward to it. It’s kind of a crossroads fight. It’s evident that in my last two fights, I haven’t been great, so I have a point to prove. I need to be back to my best and win this fight to keep my career on the go, so it’s a big fight. The last time his tactics were to spoil and hold and steal the fight which is what he tried to do, and the judges didn’t like it.”

The rematch has been demanded for the past 26 months – since the first time these two bitter rivals fought. Taylor suffered a nasty foot injury, which caused any possible rematch to be delayed, and then he was defeated by Teofimo Lopez, which means the rematch is now a non-title fight.

Hearn also spoke about the face-off and said: “I want people to look into the whites of their eyes and just show me how much you want it. Hate runs deep; show me the hate. Give me a build-up.”

The build-up will continue in Manchester for the next presser on February 21.