In February of 2022, Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall met for the undisputed super lightweight titles. Once the scorecards were read controversy ensued as most observers felt Catterall had done enough. The judges saw it differently and Taylor kept his titles. In the aftermath, Taylor had fought just once and lost to Teofimo Lopez. Catterall has fought twice, but they both stalled following their first fight.
The sequel arrived for Catterall (29-1 13kos) and this time the judges were in his favor (117-111 x2 and 116-113). Josh Taylor started slow and just had too much ground to cover.
Catterall used feints and a stiff jab to keep Taylor at bay early as he built a big lead through six. Taylor looked a bit befuddled as he would press but would get caught consistently. It appeared as if Catterall had his timing down.
Taylor showed the heart and grit that made him an undisputed champion as he went on a run through the middle rounds to tighten up the scorecards. He got his second wind and began pressuring the body. Catterall seemed to be catching his second breath but was playing with fire.
Just as the fight was tightening up a step in from the referee to both fighters seemed to give both fighters a breather in round 11. Catterall though used it to his advantage and shut the door with a picture-perfect left hand that rocked Taylor. Catterall tried to jump on Taylor but they both stumbled down. Moments later Catterall caught Taylor again. The momentum swung to Catterall, and he did enough to get the last two rounds. Catterall felt he did enough to secure the win but remembered the previous outcome. When the cards were read, he was the rightful winner in a great and now with his position in the rankings, he could be in line for a title shot. Josh Taylor must go back to the drawing board and maybe move up to the welterweight division.
