Josh Taylor Offers Rematch With Jack Catterall Following Controversy
Josh Taylor is open to a rematch with Jack Catterall, but on one condition.
Taylor offered Catterall a rematch following their controversial fight on Saturday, but insists it would have to be at welterweight. Their first fight was at light welterweight for Taylor’s four belts, which he retained via split decision accompanied by heavy critiques.
Fans thought Englishman Catterall had done enough to dethrone the Scot, especially after knocking him down in the eighth round, but the judges saw it differently, scoring the bout 112-113, 114-111, 113-112 for Taylor.
Even British heavyweight stars have expressed their input on the decision.
WBC interim heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte broke his silence and wrote “Disgusting” on Twitter.
Disgusting
— Dillian Whyte (@DillianWhyte) February 26, 2022
Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua said in an interview that it “happens too often.”
“About the Josh Taylor fight, yeah, listen, I’m not someone who’s involved in Josh Taylor’s career,” Joshua said.
“I’m not a commentator, I’m not a judge, but sometimes in the sport of boxing, sometimes I feel like the fans judge fights themselves and it’s clear to see who wins, who loses.
“Maybe we’re not qualified to do that job, but when the majority of people are swaying one way it’s important to listen.
“But what will be done about it? Who knows.”
On Tuesday, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said that he doesn’t want any British judges scoring his fight against Whyte in April. His comment is a domino effect from the Taylor-Catterall controversy; two judges were British and one lives in Scotland.
Taylor, however, commended Catterall on a good fight, but he still believes that he did more to retain his titles.
“I have taken a few days for some well-earned time with my family after not seeing them for a few months,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
“I’ve had a chance to watch the fight back. First and foremost, I want to congratulate Jack Catterall on a great fight. He rose to the occasion and fought a valiant fight. However, I believe I won a very close fight.