Josh Taylor puts titles on line versus Jack Catterall

Back in the ring for the first time since defeating Jose Ramirez and unifying the 140-pound division, champion Josh Taylor fights Jack Catterall at SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland February 26.

Catterall is hardly a household name in boxing circles, though undefeated in 26 professional fights. The Lancashire native has been ranked number one in the junior welterweight division by the WBO for over three years.

He’s confident and annoyed Taylor last month by stating he knows exactly what to do to win.

“How?” asked Taylor. “In what way.? How are you going to do it.?

“There are several ways,” replied Catterall.

“Go on, how? Tell me one,” replied Taylor giving Catterall a look.

“By turning up and being Jack Catterall, I’ll get in there and punch your head in.”

“Punch my head in,?” said Taylor. “Go back to bed.”

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Taylor has backed up his words since winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2014. In only his 12th professional fight, he defeated former champion Victor Postol.

In 2018, he entered and won the World Boxing Light Welterweight tournament by defeating contender Ryan Martin, champion Ivan Baranchyk, and in a thriller, Regis Prograis.

His victory over Ramirez last year cemented Taylor’s place as an elite fighter.

Who is Jack Catterall?

Catterall has paid his dues. A professional for ten years, he’s fought often – capturing the WBO Inter-Continental in his 11th bout. Six bouts later, he picked up the British light-welterweight title by decisioning Tyrone Nurse. Three more successful defenses of his WBO crown suggested a world title shot was forthcoming. It was, then it wasn’t. Announced fights against either champion Maurice Hooker, or Jose Ramirez, never materialized. Carrell excepted step-aside money to allow Ramirez to fight Taylor – with an agreement in principle that the winner box Catterall. A fight with Taylor was lined up for last December but postponed when Taylor sustained an injury during training.

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Though he scoffed at some of Catterall’s words, the defending champion is conscious of his rival.

“He’s a good fighter,” said Taylor to Alexander Netherton of DAZN News.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Jack. But he will come up short. He will taste his first defeat as a professional. He just isn’t as good as I am. It is a step up in class for him because he hasn’t boxed at the level that I have. If the opportunity is there, I will be taking it. You don’t get paid overtime in this game. If the opportunity is there, he’ll be hitting the canvas, I can’t see anyways he can win this fight.”

Taylor is correct. Catterall has never faced an opponent with Taylor’s all-around abilities. Catterall can punch a little (13 KOs) but is also coming off a lengthy layoff. He’ll need to surprise Taylor with a counter shot to get his attention. It’s possible since Taylor can get feisty in there. More boxer than puncher, he does like to fight.

Taylor excepted to win

Oddsmakers have installed Taylor a substantial favorite.

Check out the latest odds here

Taylor will also bring a three-inch height advantage into the ring against Catterall. His experience in big fights is also substantial. He’ll be calm and ready. He can box or slug.

Catterall has nothing to lose and will lay it on the line, but there are levels in boxing. He’ll need Taylor to be looking ahead to spring the upset.

Taylor is by far the better fighter. His hometown crowd will inspire him.

I see him breaking Catterall down and winning by stoppage.