Josh Taylor v Jack Catterall: Long-awaited rematch announced

The long awaited rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall will take place in Leeds on April 27.

Taylor won a contentious split decision against the Englishman at Glasgow’s Hydro in February 2022 when his WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO light-welterweight belts were on the line.

That victory was highly controversial, with many pundits believing Catterall was the better fighter and should have relieved Taylor of his belts.

Plans for a rematch in March 2023 were then disrupted by an injury to Taylor.

However, the rematch has now been confirmed to take place in Leeds on April 27.

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

Confirming the news on Twitter, Taylor said: “April 27th. GAME ON. It’s been a long time coming & I Can’t wait for this one.”

“I’ve never run from anyone in my life, especially not Jack Catterall.

“He has spent the last two years running from promoter to promoter while living off my name. Jack should be careful what he wishes for because he’s getting battered on April 27. I am going to enjoy every second of this.”

Leeds’ First Direct Arena is the neutral venue for the non-title bout following a lengthy spell of negotiations.

Taylor has fought just once since his first meeting with Catterall, suffering his first defeat and losing his WBO and Ring Magazine super-lightweight titles to Teofimo Lopez on points in New York.

He vacated the other three world titles before the first defeat of his professional career.

Catterall held on to his British title in October, when the 30-year-old had a unanimous decision victory over veteran Jorge Linares.

He said: “I’ve wanted this fight since the moment the scorecards got read out in Glasgow.

“A few people say ‘move on Jack’, and that’s easy to say to when you’re not in my position. I get asked every day of my life multiple times a day, ‘when are you fighting Taylor again?’

“This isn’t about belts, this is personal to me, and I can’t wait to get my hands on him. I don’t like him, I don’t respect him and on April 27 I’m going to end him.”