Starting Saturday Josh Taylor Knows- “Hard Work Just Beginning”

Coming up Saturday night, it’s a homecoming for Undisputed Jr. Welterweight champ Josh Taylor of Scotland. And, despite his successes in recent title fights over the past three years, he knows that the biggest challenges are now ahead.

Taylor spoke in advance of the first defense in Glasgow of his WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO 140 lb. championship against England’s Jack Catterall and made clear that he understands what’s at stake,

Caught up with @JoshTaylorBoxer as he gears up for his first fight on home soil in almost three years this weekend against Jack Catterall. pic.twitter.com/Zq47rxojAL

— Andy Burke (@AndyBurke_) February 21, 2022

“Becoming world champion was easy because it was a goal. Now, I’ve got people wanting to take what is so hard to get,” Taylor told the BBC Scotland.

“So, the hard work is just beginning, really…It’s my job to make sure I keep the belts, keep achieving more in the sport. The hard work? It’s just beginning.” 

When asked about the lightly regarded Catterall having a chance to get all the belts at once in an upset win, Taylor smiled and acknowledged,

“Yeah. It annoys me a bit. It’s kinda getting the ‘short cut to the jackpot.’ I had to clear out the whole division and take on champion after champion. Beat the best the division had to offer to achieve what I’ve achieved. And, he’s getting to do it in one fight.”

Saturday night’s defense is Josh Taylor’s first since defeating Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas back in May to become undisputed at Jr. Welterweight. Taylor has joined legendary Lightweight World Champion Ken Buchanan, as the other Scottish born boxer to hold an undisputed world title.

And, now, he’ll battle the 26-0, Chorley, England born Catterrall in the 14,000 seat OVO Hydro Arena in a bout that will be televised on PPV in the U.K. and back to the U.S. Saturday afternoon via Top Rank Boxing and ESPN+.

“I don’t believe he’s gonna get anywhere near me on February 26th. If I turn up right, turn up on-form, I don’t think he gets anywhere near me,” Taylor said of Catterall’s chances.

Now, we’ll see if he can make good.