Jack Catterall has recorded a unanimous points victory over Josh Taylor in a thrilling rematch in Leeds on Saturday night.
Back in 2022, Catterall was controversially denied becoming the undisputed world light-welterweight champion when he appeared to edge a decision in Taylor's native Scotland.
Those belts were not on the line on this occasion, yet Catterall gained redemption by earning a deserved points victory, albeit in a closer bout than the judges had it.
Verdicts of 117-111, 117-111 and 116-113 were given in the favour of Catterall, with Taylor shaking his head with a face that shown he had taken considerably more punishment than his opponent.
El Gato gets the victory 🙌
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 25, 2024
Redemption for @jack_catt93 😤#TaylorCatterall2 pic.twitter.com/Q8pPx58i5n
How did the fight pan out?
Despite all the animosity since their first encounter, there was a natural edginess about the opening rounds, with clashes of heads a common feature from their respective southpaw stances.
Although both fighters were having success, the triple and quadruple jab of Catterall was a standout form of attack, as well as a left hand that continuously had success.
Towards the end of the fifth, it appeared that Taylor may be overwhelmed - not helped by making a weight that he once expressed a desire to avoid in future - as Catterall unleashed a hurtful barrage to which he had no response.
There were concern in the Taylor corner, yet the former 140lbs world champion showed his class, pride and spitefulness during the majority of rounds six to 10.
THIS 11TH ROUND 😤🤯#TaylorCatterall2 pic.twitter.com/BG3MmB0MHO
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 25, 2024
At the same time, Catterall appeared to become more laboured, even though he was finding the mark on occasions, and the momentum was with Taylor ahead of the concluding six minutes.
In the 11th, though, Catterall detonated with the biggest shot of the fight, shaking Taylor who avoided the possibility of being put down through the pair tangling and each hitting the canvas.
The pair shared an even 12th, and the possibility of a draw felt realistic with Taylor by far the more busier of the fighters during the second half of the bout.
Catterall got the nod, though, with a win that may only lead to a trilogy fight, even though many will say that he should be 2-0 to the good.
Darren Plant
