Jack Catterall Clinches Redemption With Dramatic Victory Against Josh Taylor

On Saturday, May 25, Jack Catterall (29-1, 13 KOs) defeated Josh Taylor (19-2, 13. KOs) in a dramatic rematch at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. The card was streamed live on DAZN, with “El Gato” finally getting his revenge after losing their first fight in a controversial split decision defeat.

Jack Catterall Defeats Josh Taylor by Unanimous Decision

Jack Catterall vs. Josh Taylor Recap

As Sweet Caroline played into the arena, and the sold-out crowd reached a crescendo of excitement – David Diamante brought both fighters to the ring. Round one saw a bright start from Catterall as he found his range early on the front foot. His jab was very effective, snapping Taylor’s head back on more than one occasion. A nicely timed left hook seemed to hurt the Scottish fighter.

At the beginning of round two, the crowd were in fine voice, CHORLEY, CHORLEY, CHORLEY, as Taylor tried to force the pace, but the Chorley man was first to the punch and countered well, landing the more eye-catching shots. The following two rounds saw good pressure from Taylor who had success in the third, but Catterall kept catching the Scottish fighter with that left hand. The Chorley native was looking comfortable in his groove. 

Round five saw a big round from Catterall as the crowd chanted CHORLEY, CHORLEY, CHORLEY. The jab was controlling the tempo, and the effortless way he was putting combinations together was so impressive. Round six saw another dominant round from the English fighter, with good variation in his punches to the head and body. Round seven saw a great response from Taylor as he pushed the pace and worked his opponent’s body while landing good hooks.

The next two rounds saw continued good work from the Scottish fighter as he worked Catterall’s body before the Chorley man started to put his punches together at the end of round eight to great effect. Catterall used his jab brilliantly in the tenth to slow the pace down. A monster left hand in round eleven transformed the round and swung it in British fighters favour.

The final round saw Taylor walking forward, but the counterpunching of the Chorley fighter caught the eye.

As both fighters met in the middle of the ring, the scorecards were read 117-111×2 and 116-113 all in favour of the Chorley fighter. hate might run deep, but redemption is sweet, and Catterall has got his revenge.

Post Fight Quotes

In the post-fight interview, when asked about the win, Catterall said: “Listen, I believe I won the fight. I took more risk this time. Josh is an elite operator, undisputed world champion. I knew I was up against it. I felt like I ‘went through the gears.’ I boxed smart. Second half of the fight I thought I was more reserved, controlling the pace and I wasn’t getting hit with big punches. And, I was landing clean.”

“El Gato” was then asked if he was nervous about the scorecards: “I felt that feeling last time. This time it went a lot quicker. It was more conclusive…”

Catterall also paid his respects to his fierce rival: “Yeah, big fights. All respect to Josh….we wanted to see him at his best and that’s what we got. I said to Josh after the fight- there’s been a lot of back and forth and a lot of strong words said the last two years…none of it personal. We’ve shared 24 rounds. All respect to Josh as well.”

Taylor

Josh Taylor also spoke in the ring after the fight: “I thought it was a great fight. Fair play to Jack. He boxed a better fight tonight. It was a better fight. It was great. But listen, I thought I just nicked (squeaked out) the fight. I thought I just nicked it. It was a close fight.”

Taylor then spoke about a trilogy: “Listen. Let’s a do a third one. Why not? That was a good fight….if he wants to go on a challenge for a title, he deserves it. But, that’s one a piece (wins). Let’s do a trilogy.”

Top Rank chairman and CEO Bob Arum was not happy as he took the microphone after the fight: “I saw the fight like everybody else. Those scorecards were a disgrace. It was an absolute disgrace! I really feel sorry for Josh. I thought he won the fight, but those scorecards were ridiculous!  And, that’s the lesson. I will never, ever allow an American fighter to come here with this British board scoring the fight. Those scores were ridiculous.”

Undercard

Cheavon Clarke (9-0, 7 KOs) defeated Ellis Zorro (17-2, 7 KOs) with an impressive stoppage in round number eight, with Clarke collecting the vacant British cruiserweight title.

Paddy Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs) increased the pace as the fight progressed and stopped the experienced Lewis Ritson (23-4, 13 KOs) in the ninth round of their welterweight bout.

Gary Cully (18-1, 10 KOs) comfortably defeated Belgian lightweight Francesco Patera (29-5, 11 KOs), with the judges scorecards reading 98-92 and 96-94 x2. 

Giorgio Visioli (3-0, 3 KOs) impressed once again, defeating Sergio Odabai (6-4-1, 3 KOs) by fourth-round KO with a beautiful body shot.

Before the Bell

George Liddard (7-0, 4 KOs) impressively defeated Graham McCormack (9-4-1, 1 KO) by first-round KO. The intent and accuracy saw him destroy his Irish opponent in the opening round.

Leli Buttigieg (4-0, 1 KO) comfortably defeated Belgian Anas Isarti (4-3, 0 KOs), with the referee scoring the bout 60-54.