Boxing Match: Josh Taylor says he’s staying at light-welterweight for two reasons: to fight Jose Zepeda and to renew his rivalry with Jack Catterall, whom he has vowed to “shut up” if he gets his rematch.
Jack Catterall has been vocal on social media about his desire for a rematch after controversially finishing second on the judges’ scorecards when the pair met in Glasgow in February when all four major super-lightweight titles were on the line.
Despite being knocked down in the eighth round and seemingly out-landed during what he admitted was an underwhelming performance, Taylor was awarded a split decision victory to retain his undisputed championship, with judge Ian John-Lewis subsequently downgraded by the British Boxing Board of Control after scoring the bout 114-111 to the Scot.
Taylor has since defended the outcome, saying that while he understands Catterall’s disappointment, his rival’s reaction has fueled his motivation should the two meet again.
“He’s coming across a little bit desperate,” Taylor told Sky Sports. “I can understand where he comes from, he felt like he won the fight, I’d be disappointed as well.
“But I wouldn’t be moaning and groaning the way he’s going on and on, it’s just ridiculous.
“I can understand how he’s feeling, he felt like he won the fight, I felt like I did just enough to win the fight so it was a close fight, it could have gone either way, the judges gave it to me.
“The way he’s acted since and the way he’s coming across on social media makes me want to shut him up. It’s one of the main reasons I stayed at 140 so I could get that fight.”
A mandatory title defence against Zepeda, who stopped Josue Vargas in the first round in October, appears to be the priority.
Taylor, who had to relinquish his WBA super-lightweight title due to the governing body’s mandatory requirements, remains hopeful of facing Catterall again before the end of the year.
“We’re doing everything we can in our power to make this fight happen alongside the Zepeda fight as well,” said Taylor. “If not after the Zepeda fight then next.
“This time around, I have motivation like I’ve never had before, and it’s because of everything that has happened since the fight.”
“Hopefully, the sooner the better. I’m only staying at this weight to compete against Catterall. Obviously, Zepeda is a huge fight as well, and that one appears to be coming up next.
“If that happens next, I’ll immediately focus on him, giving him my undivided attention and forgetting about Catterall.
“The real reason I’m staying at this weight is to get that fight, but if it doesn’t happen it’s on their side, we’re doing everything on our side to make sure it happens.”
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