During today’s second press conference, Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) approached Jack Catterall on stage and made an attempt to hand him a book. Catterall reacted by slapping Taylor’s hand, which prompted promoter Eddie Hearn to step in.
Although it may have seemed like a scripted WWE moment, this stunt was likely done to generate interest in their upcoming rematch. However, it’s important to note that this fight will not have any world titles at stake. The only thing at risk is the careers of these two fighters, as neither of them have much to gain from this light welterweight clash.
Former undisputed 140-pound champion Taylor and Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs) are set to face off on April 27th at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. This rematch is long overdue, considering their initial bout took place in February 2022 and ended in a controversial split decision victory for Taylor in Glasgow, Scotland.
Hopefully, this time around, there won’t be any controversy, and both fighters can move forward and make a lasting impact with whatever remains of their careers.
Eddie Hearn, speaking on behalf of Matchroom Boxing, commented on the intense rivalry between Taylor and Catterall. He referred to their confrontations as an “attack on sight” and emphasized the need to keep them apart during face-to-face encounters. Despite this, Hearn expressed his desire for drama and a genuine rivalry between the two fighters. It’s evident that there is a deep-rooted animosity between them, both stemming from their previous fight and possibly from personal insults exchanged between their teams.
Revenge and raw emotion seem to be driving both Taylor and Catterall in this upcoming bout. Catterall has openly stated his intention to knock out Taylor, while Taylor is known for fighting with intense emotion, both during press conferences and in the ring. It remains to be seen whether Taylor can control his emotions on fight night, considering the high stakes involved.
Every time these two fighters come close to each other, it’s clear that they are itching to throw punches. The animosity between them is palpable, and it’s evident that they genuinely dislike each other.
According to the Source boxingnews24.com