Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall 2 – Who wins the rematch?
Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall 1 is still talked about and considered one of the biggest robberies of recent times.
The reactions after their controversial contest in 2022 saw promoter Ben Shalom shaking his head in dismay at the sport, trainers Jamie Moore and Nigel Travers fuming in front of the cameras, but Jack was nowhere to be seen as he instantly walked out of the ring devastated after his world title dreams were unfairly shattered.
Now, two years on, the bitter rivals are finally set to lock horns again to answer all those questions left lingering from the first encounter, Taylor protesting he did enough to win, even on an ‘off-night’ according to him, but the fact that one ringside judge was demoted by the BBBofC for his unrealistic scorecard shows that decision was indeed highly questionable.
Will the rematch finally end this fiery rivalry? BBN asked their panel of experts for their view on the rematch…
Matt Marsh Former British super-bantamweight champion: “I thought Catterall won the first fight, but I think Taylor will be more prepared this time, but I think Catterall will get a points decision.”
Oskari MetzEuropean title contender: “As everyone and their mother knows, the result of the first bout was questionable to say the least. Catterall deserved a rematch straight away, but Taylor went and vacated some of the belts and lost the rest to Lopez. Meanwhile, Catterall has had two solid performances winning both fights by UD.
“Taylor is tough, no doubt, so it’s not going to be an easy fight, but I’m going to back Catterall to win. He performed well the first time around and was in control of what was happening in the ring most of the time. He has good ring generalship and IQ, and I think the smarter guy has the upper hand when it comes to rematches.
“Catterall by decision.”
Miles ShinkwinFormer English light-heavyweight champion: “I think Taylor knows he wasn’t at his best for whatever reason first time around and has made some changes. Jack can clearly fight and probably feels hard done by last time but Josh is top, top draw. I think he turns it on and gets a clear win this time.”
Arijan GorickiIBO title contender: “My prediction is Catterall by points.
“I don’t think that Taylor’s focus and motivation are still there. Everything depends on Taylor and his determination, if he is focused to rebuild his name then it will be different story. Either way, the fight is gonna be a good one with a lot of drama in it.”
Steve Wood VIP Promotions: “Going Catterall on Points.
“Think Josh has seen his better days and although he will perform much better than in the first fight, I see the fresher Catterall picking him off.”
Tim RicksonBBN Editor: “I believe Josh Taylor has already peaked and is now on the decline, so I’m siding with Jack Catterall to win this rematch, to put right the wrong from their first fight, where I definitely had him winning.
“Taylor lost – unofficially – to Catterall that night, then lost convincingly to Teofimo Lopez last summer; that’s two losses in a row, for me. I bought into everything he was saying before the Lopez fight about being back to his old self, and he did look in incredible shape before the fight, but none of it was backed up in the ring, so I’m not going to fall for his words again.
“I think the rematch could be a real battle of wills, with their bad blood spilling over during the actual fight. I can see more knockdowns and point deductions again, cuts and clinches, basically lots of drama, but I think Catterall will have the greater determination and willpower to grind out a win, using his strength and IQ to dominate and win on points.”
Burim SylejmaniFides Sports promoter: “This is a great fight, I personally see Josh Tayler as the favourite. He has more experience.”
Sam CondyBBN Writer: “Catterall was unlucky to not get the win in their first meeting. I think he did enough the first time around to dethrone Taylor. Unfortunately for Catterall, I don’t think lightning will strike twice. Taylor has had two uncharacteristically poor performances of late, first to Catterall and then to Lopez. However, I still think he is one of the top men at 140lbs.
“Catterall was underestimated in their first showing, and coming off the back of a loss, I think we will see the Scotsman rejuvenated. The two are very similar body-punching boxers, though when they are both performing at their best, Taylor packs more of a punch than ‘El Gato’.
“I don’t predict a stoppage, but I think we will witness a Taylor of old who will get the job done over 12.”
Oscar PickBBN Writer: “My prediction is that Catterall will edge it on points. Taylor’s last performance against Teofimo Lopez told me that he is no longer the same fighter at 140 lbs. The fact that he is taking this fight at super lightweight does, however, show that he still has confidence in his ability at the weight. But Catterall – who clearly won their first encounter – is, for me, the much stronger of the two in this division. So, while Taylor will be competitive in the early rounds, I see him eventually tiring down the stretch, giving Catterall the opportunity to take control.”