Taylor vs Catterall 2 Feature: Jack Catterall ‘In Focus’

It’s a rematch that has been a long time coming. From a hotly disputed split decision win for Josh Taylor over Jack Catterall in February 2022 in Glasgow to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on May 25, this is Catterall’s chance to right the wrong he feels he suffered 27 months ago. Indeed, the fallout from that encounter, which was for the undisputed super lightweight title, has been so heated and extreme that the promoters have named this rematch “Hate Runs Deep.”

While there will be no titles at stake this Saturday, settling the grudge that exists between the fighters will be enough to motivate both men to give their best. The age-old Scotland versus England rivalry adds an extra dash of spice to a contest that hardly needs one. Another close fight is anticipated, with the judges probably being called upon again. What can Jack Catterall do to ensure his hand is lifted at the conclusion on Saturday night?

Rematch Delays and What Catterall Has Done Since

While a rematch between Catterall and Taylor has felt inevitable, there have been several delays along the way. After the first fight, Taylor took some time off from boxing to get married, and a mooted March 2023 rematch date was cancelled after Taylor reported a foot injury. Taylor then moved on and fought Teofimo Lopez, forcing Catterall to wait a little longer. The rematch was then scheduled for April 27 but was pushed back a month after Taylor needed more time to heal following what he said was a “minor eye procedure at the beginning of February.”

The wait is now over, and Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs), who hails from Chorley in Lancashire, England, will have the chance to avenge his only career defeat thus far. Catterall gloved up twice in 2023: a unanimous decision wins over Darragh Foley and a badly over-the-hill Jorge Linares. While it’s good to stay active, both contests fell firmly into the stay busy category. Against Foley, Catterall showcased an electric jab, which helped him control the majority of that ten-round bout. His rangefinder was used with venom that night – might we see the same again on Saturday?

Looking Back At Catterall’s Performance in Glasgow

In a fight he started as a significant underdog, Catterall had plenty of joy executing the counter-punching, trap-setting plan put in place for him by trainers Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis. Catterall outlanded Taylor in 11 of the 12 rounds and employed nimble footwork to frustrate his fellow southpaw. The Englishman also had Taylor cut near his right eye and produced the only knockdown of the contest in the eighth round. At times, the fight became untidy. There was plenty of holding between the rivals, and their heads clashed on more than one occasion. Overall, Catterall boxed well, although he seemed to tire and drop his activity level during the contest’s closing stages.

Whether it was an off night or not for Taylor isn’t really Catterall’s concern. He has to expect the best version of Taylor on Saturday. He will need to recreate his performance level from February 2022 and look to outland Taylor by an even larger ratio than he did in that first encounter.

Catterall’s Keys To Victory

As mentioned above, Catterall must be ready for the peak version of Taylor. Whether or not Taylor can produce that is a question for his “In Focus” piece, but at this stage, Catterall has to assume Taylor is bringing his spiteful best to Leeds on Saturday.

To combat that, he must be just as sharp with his footwork as he was in Glasgow but more active with his punch output. At times during the first fight, Catterall slowed down and reverted to what he is known for – holding his opponent and being content with a slow pace. In order to secure the win this time, Catterall should look to control the distance as he did in Glasgow but cut down on the holding. He also needs to keep the pace of the action steady against an opponent who looks to now be uncomfortable at the 140-pound weight limit.

Speaking of weight, Catterall seems to be the more natural, super-lightweight boxer at this stage. Despite having had nine more professional contests than Taylor, the younger Catterall has not fought the same level of opponents that Taylor has. In theory, he should be fresher and, therefore, more able to dictate a fast-paced fight. It may not be his natural style, but it could benefit him greatly.

Assuming Taylor does start fast, Catterall can settle into his counter-punching style in the early stages. It will be important for him to counter with authority in the opening sessions to prevent Taylor from building any momentum. If Catterall can do this, he could seize control of the fight and look to become the first man to stop Josh Taylor in the second half of the contest.

One More Thing…

The importance of fighting a clean fight must be emphasized from Catterall’s standpoint. Before a bout, almost all referees will ask the fighters to produce a “good, clean fight.” It’s a simple request but one that should be heeded by Catterall going into this one. It might not be easy for him as he has naturally reverted to holding and fouling throughout his career. Points deductions against Taylor, Foley, Tyrone McKenna, and Gabriel Fernando suggest boxing cleanly is something Catterall struggles to do at certain stages of his fights.

Considering the emotion and feelings of resentment Catterall has due to the way the first fight was judged, not to mention the fact he just plain doesn’t like Taylor, keeping things under control might be beyond him on Saturday, but he really needs to do all he can not to cost himself any points on the cards through fouling.

Jack Catterall has shown he has the style and ability to seriously trouble Josh Taylor. If he keeps on the right side of the referee, maintains a steady pace, and showcases a commanding jab coupled with strong counter-punching, he will give himself the best chance to avenge the defeat he feels was wrongly given to him in Glasgow just over two years ago.

Colin Morrison

A boxing fan since his teenage years, Morrison began writing about the sport in July 2016. He appreciates all styles of boxing and has nothing but respect for those who get in the ring for our entertainment. Morrison is from Scotland and can be found on Twitter @Morrie1981.

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