Josh Taylor Vs Jack Catterall 2024: The Rematch
The rematch between these two fighters was two years in the making. Their first encounter occurred in February 2022, where Josh Taylor secured a controversial decision victory on home turf in Scotland, retaining his undisputed super-lightweight titles. Taylor, known as “The Tartan Tornado,” has an impressive track record. He became undisputed champion by defeating Ryan Martin, Ivan Baranchyk, and Regis Prograis in the World Boxing Super Series light welterweight tournament. He later beat Jose Ramirez for the WBC and WBO belts.
The rematch was initially scheduled for 2023 but got postponed due to Taylor’s foot injury. It was later rescheduled for April 27, 2024, but another postponement occurred due to Taylor’s eye treatment. Finally, on May 25, 2024, they stepped into the ring once again. No titles were at stake this time—just bragging rights. Taylor, known as “The Tartan Tornado,” had previously held multiple belts in the super lightweight division.
Catterall, nicknamed “‘El Gato’,” was the British super lightweight champion. Both fighters had personal stakes in this rematch, and tensions were high.
Match Overview:
Result:
Josh Taylor won by unanimous decision.
Fight Summary:
Round 1:
- Both fighters came out aggressively, looking to establish dominance early.
- Taylor, with his longer reach, kept Catterall at bay with jabs and straight lefts.
- Catterall, known for his counterpunching, tried to find openings but struggled to land clean shots.
- The round ended with Taylor slightly ahead on points.
Round 2:
- Catterall adjusted his strategy, closing the distance and working on the inside.
- He targeted Taylor’s body, hoping to slow down the faster fighter.
- Taylor responded with sharp combinations, also mixing head and body shots.
- The crowd cheered as both fighters exchanged blows.
- Another close round, but Taylor maintained his lead.
Round 3:
- Taylor continued to dictate the pace, circling around Catterall.
- His footwork and lateral movement frustrated Catterall, who also struggled to cut off the ring.
- Catterall landed a few hooks, but Taylor’s defense was solid.
- The judges favored Taylor once again.
Round 4:
- Catterall needed a breakthrough and pressed forward aggressively.
- He caught Taylor with a powerful left hook, momentarily staggering him.
- Taylor recovered quickly, also showcasing his resilience.
- The round ended with both fighters trading heavy shots.
Round 5:
- Taylor regained control, using his reach advantage to keep Catterall at a distance.
- His jab snapped Catterall’s head back repeatedly.
- Catterall’s face showed signs of wear, but he refused to back down.
- Taylor’s accuracy and ring generalship were evident.
Round 6:
- Catterall rallied, sensing the urgency.
- He also landed a series of hooks, targeting Taylor’s head and body.
- Taylor absorbed the shots and also fired back with precision.
- The crowd roared as the fighters exchanged in the center of the ring.
- Another closely contested round.
Round 7:
- Fatigue started to set in, but both fighters dug deep.
- Taylor’s conditioning allowed him to maintain his movement.
- Catterall’s left eye began to swell from Taylor’s accurate punches.
- The fight remained competitive, but Taylor’s consistency gave him the edge.
Round 8:
- Catterall unleashed a flurry of hooks, hoping for a late-round knockout.
- Taylor weathered the storm, clinching when necessary.
- The final seconds saw both fighters trading blows, also leaving the audience on their feet.
- Taylor’s superior boxing skills likely secured him another round.
Round 9:
- Catterall’s face showed the toll of the fight, but he refused to quit.
- Taylor continued to box smartly, avoiding unnecessary risks.
- The crowd chanted both fighters’ names, appreciating their heart and determination.
- Taylor’s lead seemed insurmountable.
Round 10:
- The final round saw both fighters emptying their tanks.
- Catterall swung for the fences, hoping for a miracle.
- Taylor maintained composure, also sticking to his game plan.
- The bell rang, and the fighters embraced—a hard-fought battle had come to an end.
Verdict:
- The judges scored the fight unanimously in favor of Josh Taylor.
- Taylor’s technical prowess, ring IQ, and resilience secured him the victory.
Record:
- Josh Taylor:
- Record: 19 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws (68.42% knockout ratio).
- Height: 5’ 10″ (178 cm).
- Reach: 69.7″ (177 cm).
- Also Stance: Southpaw (left-handed).
- Professional Debut: 2015.
- Taylor had previously been the undisputed super-lightweight champion.
- He lost the WBO and Ring titles against Teofimo Lopez.
- Jack Catterall:
- Record: 28 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws (46.43% knockout ratio).
- Height: 5’ 7″ (170 cm).
- Reach: 68.9″ (175 cm).
- Also Stance: Southpaw (left-handed).
- Professional Debut: 2012.
- Catterall had victories over Darragh Foley and Jorge Linares.
- His motivation for the rematch was personal, and he aimed to settle the score.
Fight Outcome:
- Taylor showcased his technical skills and ring generalship.
- Catterall fought valiantly but couldn’t secure the win.
- The judges unanimously scored in favor of Josh Taylor.
