Josh Taylor explains in further detail the reason behind his withdrawal from the rematch with Jack Catterall
The much-anticipated rematch between Jack Catterall and Josh Taylor was recently pushed back when Taylor revealed he sustained an eye injury, and he has now shared more details of it.
Originally set for April 27 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, the rematch between the two fighters came two years after their heated first bout for the undisputed super-lightweight titles. Amidst verbal exchanges, spectators were divided, with many convinced Catterall had clinched victory, only for judges to award Taylor the split decision.
This contentious outcome ignited a fierce rivalry between the fighters, setting the stage for their eagerly anticipated rematch. Now, with tensions high and business unfinished, both men prepare to step back into the ring, eager to settle the score once and for all, but now it falls on May 25 rather than April given former undisputed champion Taylor’s injury.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Taylor gave the reason why he had to pull out of the fight, “It was a little bit of a kick in the teeth that news from the doctor, you know.
“I had a little procedure in my eyes early in February. Everything was going great, the first check-up was great, the second one was great, then I went to the final one expecting to get told everything was good to go, but I got told the pressure around my eyes went up again, so he advised that I put the fight back cause it’s your eyes.
“He advised me to put it back a couple of weeks, so yeah, that’s what I’ve done, I’ve listened to the medical professionals. It’s only four weeks, and I know people have booked tickets and travel, so I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”