Ex-absolute champion in super lightweight Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) from Scotland refused three belts, as he does not want to make mandatory defenses. His priority is a rematch with Englishman Jack Catterall (26-1, 13 KOs), whom he controversially defeated in February. Rumor has it that the second fight will take place at the same place in February next year.
Meanwhile, Taylor’s belts did not remain ownerless for long. In August, the Dominican Alberto Puello controversially beat the Russian (?) Botirzhon Akhmedov, and in November, the American Regis Prograis became the WBC champion, who brightly beat compatriot Jose Cepeda.
According to
insider Salvador Rodriguez, the owner of the IBF belt will soon be determined. The rescheduled bout between Jeremias Ponce (30-0, 20 KOs) from Argentina and Puerto Rican Subriel Matias (18-1, 18 KOs) will take place on February 11 in Minnesota (USA).
An interesting fight will take place at the opening. In the second bantamweight limit, unbeaten prospects will converge – Kevin Gonzalez (25-0-1, 13 KOs) from Mexico and
Ruben Mass (15-0, 10 KOs) from Puerto Rico.
In the meantime, a Taylor-Lopez superfight is being prepared in Britain. Arum likes the idea, but there is one “but”.