Former British super lightweight contender Jack Catterall (26-1, 13 KOs) is shocked, because the former undisputed champion in this division, his compatriot Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs), changed his mind about moving to welterweight and parting with all his belts – he was forced to drop only the WBA title. The organization has already explained why the champion abandoned their belt.
The thing is that in February, Taylor very controversially defeated Catterall. After the fight, he was allegedly ready to have a revenge, but he already sharpened his skis at 66.7 kg – he called to fight a division higher. It’s no secret that Josh was interested in a fight with the WBO American welterweight champion Terence Crawford, but there is practically no chance of an agreement with him – the US champion does not want to do business with Taylor’s promoter (and his ex-promoter) Bob Arum (Top Rank).
Catterall commented Taylor’s decision to stay and fight his mandatory challenger American José Cepeda: “It’s all in style Top Rank. For those who don’t know, I’ll explain. They have both Taylor and Cepeda under contract. It is beneficial for them that all the titles remain in the stable. So they are in the kings regardless of how the fight between Taylor and Cepeda ends. After all, all the titles will remain with them. I’m pretty sure Josh only has one fight left at that weight. And this is revenge with me. He promised me revenge if he stays at 63.5 kg. If he comes out against Cepeda, it will become clear that his words are worthless.
“He said that he would agree to a rematch only in a contractual weight or at 66.7 kg, and now he will have a fight with Cepeda? Will he stay at super lightweight now? Catterall is shocked. “But everyone is calling for a rematch. Not only me, but also the fans. There is no problem in reaching an agreement. So what’s the problem then? Does he have any other mandatory challengers? Listen, I have been following the WBO line since 2014: I was the European champion in their version, the intercontinental champion, defended this title 10 times, always paid dues on time, did everything that was required of me, fought with those who were told to fight. And now the situation is such that all these contributions turned out to be of no use to anyone. I just don’t have any other words to describe what happened.”
Catterall claims that he will accept any eliminator, regardless of the name of the opponent: he is ready to fight Teofimo Lopez, Jose Ramirez, and Regis Prograis.
Interestingly, in April, Teofimo Lopez said: “We are negotiating a fight with absolute Josh Taylor.” He hasn’t really moved up to super lightweight yet, but is already “taking control of the division”.
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