Eddie Hearn previews the Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall rematch
A blockbuster fight week got underway in Leeds tonight as bitter rivals Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall shared an intense first face off at the First Direct Arena ahead of one of the most anticipated rematches in recent times this Saturday May 25, shown live on DAZN in the UK and around the world and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S.
After more than two years of waiting, the fierce enemies will finally settle the score as they go toe-to-toe once more in a huge grudge match on neutral territory, with the winner of ‘Hate Runs Deep’ securing bragging rights and a platform to push on towards more career-defining fights.
“I can’t wait,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “There’s probably no better time coming off the back of a brilliant event in Saudi, and then wedged in between that and the 5vs5 is probably the biggest British fight of the year.
“We know the rivalry is bitter, fight week is going to be incredible. I think we’re going to get a great fight as well. 11,000 is the First Direct Arena – the atmosphere is going to be off the charts.
“It’s a brilliant undercard as well. I know a lot of people are talking about the main event. It’s a real great statement for British boxing to come off the back of those international fights with the fight of the year.
“The fight before he signed with us was already pencilled in. Josh Taylor got injured, it fell away, he fought Teofimo Lopez. We fought Foley and Linares but this is the one.
“These are the fights that you want to make. The fight has everything. You know the history. You don’t even need to talk about it anymore. Every time you bring these guys together it’s almost attack on site. I can’t wait for them to get in the ring and actually hear the first bell.
“When we signed Jack, these were the nights we wanted. I believe he will beat Josh Taylor at the weekend and if he does he’s going to land himself, undoubtedly, a shot at a World Title at 140.
“The profile of the fight is going to give him the shot. You’ve got Subriel Matias, he fights Liam Paro coming up, Jack could fight the winner of that fight. Even without a World Title he could fight a Regis Prograis or another big fight in America. Richardson Hitchins or another one of our guys at 140. Then you’ve got Devin Haney, he will fight Sandor Martin probably this summer. The winner of that could fight the winner of Taylor against Catterall.
“Lots of opportunities out there at 140 but this is one of the flagship fights of the division.
“Both guys are experienced. Josh is hot-headed but Jack in this instance is also hot-headed because of how he feels about Josh Taylor. Both very experienced, but like I said, a cauldron of noise, a cauldron of tension and a bundle of hatred goes into this fight.
“I think you will get a different type of fight this time. Firstly, it was cagey, it was smart and they were tricky. This time around I think you’ll see them engage a lot more. Both are a little bit more long in the tooth now. They don’t want to go the 12 rounds. They want to go in there and have a tear-up. That’s why I think it will be a great fight.
“A lot of people feel that if you’re backing Jack Catterall, you back him on points in this fight. I actually like the stoppage for Jack Catterall. I think it’s going to be a hot-headed fight.”
More predictions for Taylor-Catterall 2
Taylor vs. Catterall 2 tops a huge night of action in Leeds, Gravesend powerhouse Cheavon Clarke (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on Bromley’s Ellis Zorro (17-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant British Cruiserweight Title, Limerick’s fast rising Welterweight talent Paddy Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs) meets Forest Hall’s former British Champion Lewis Ritson (23-3, 13 KOs) for the WBA Continental Title.
Naas Lightweight star Gary Cully (17-1, 10 KOs) fights Belgium’s former European Champion Francesco Patera (29-4, 11 KOs) for the WBA Continental Title, Aldershot Lightweight prospect Giorgio Visioli (2-0, 2 KOs) looks to make it three knockouts from three fights when he takes on Austria’s Sergio Odabai (6-3-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds.
Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (6-0, 3 KOs) squares off with Limerick’s Graham McCormack (9-3-1, 1 KO) over eight rounds and Newham Super-Welterweight Leli Buttigieg (3-0, 1 KO) kicks off the Before The Bell action against Belgium’s Anas Isarti (4-2).