Jack Catterall insisted he would knock out Josh Taylor when the bitter rivals faced each other for a second time in April.
Catterall controversially lost a split decision for the undisputed super-lightweight championship two years ago and there were many inside and outside the sport who thought he had every right to feel aggrieved.
The British Boxing Board of Control launched an investigation into the scoring of the bout and subsequently downgraded judge Ian John-Lewis, who had scored it 114-111 in favour of Taylor.
Josh Taylor celebrated victory in his junior welterweight bout against Jack Catterall (Steve Welsh/PA)
The Scot vacated three of his titles before losing his WBO championship to Teofimo Lopez last June in his only bout since facing Catterall, whom he will meet again in a non-title fight on April 27 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
“It’s an exciting fight, it gets the juices flowing,” Catterall told a press conference in Manchester.
“It’s been talked about for the last two years, everybody asking when this rematch is so it’s good to finally have the date locked in and I’m ready to settle it.
“They’ve said it’s the England v Scotland narrative but it’s more of me just fighting a p***k. He’s just not a nice person.
“I know what lies ahead of me. I’m preparing for the best version of Josh Taylor, so when I beat him – and I beat him convincingly – I can move on with my career.”
April 27th. GAME ON. It’s been a long time coming & I Can’t wait for this one 👊🏼👊🏼🥊 pic.twitter.com/o9wSEags1Z
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorBoxer) February 15, 2024
Asked if he believed he would win the fight within the distance, Catterall added: “One hundred per cent.
“I think he’s there to be beat, I think I’ve got his number. I know I’ve got his number and it’s only a matter of time before he touches the canvas again.”
Taylor’s microphone did not work properly during the press conference, although his words were also drowned out by boos from fans of local favourite Catterall.
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