Ben Davison warns of gulf in class between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall
- Planet Sport writer
- 5 January 2022
Josh Taylor's trainer Ben Davison believes there's a gulf in class between the undisputed and unbeaten light-welterweight world champion and his next opponent Jack Catterall.
The Tartan Tornado's unanimous points decision victory over the previously undefeated Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas last May, saw the Scottish fighter scoop the WBO and WBC light-welterweight belts to add to his collection. He became only the second Scotsman to be an undisputed champion after Ken Buchanan back in 1971.
Chorley fighter Catterall stepped aside to allow that contest to go ahead and now has the chance to take all the belts from Taylor, at The OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow on February 26. A fight that had been scheduled for December 2021, but was postponed due to a Taylor injury.
Davison will be priming Taylor for a tough contest with Catterall, who is also unbeaten with a 26-0 record, but thinks it's a big step up for the challenger.
He said: "I've got full respect for Jack. I've taken him on the pads before, he is a nice lad. But the reality of it is he has never fought anywhere near this level.
"Not to say that he can't do it, but in his fight against Ohara Davies I wouldn't say he rose to the occasion.
"Not to say he won't rise to the occasion this time, as I said, we are preparing as if he is the best fighter that has ever stepped foot on this planet, but if he doesn't rise to the occasion I think it could end up being a quick fight.
"It is a big, big challenge for Jack. There is, no doubt about it, a gulf between the two of them, and if Josh turns up at 100 per cent on the night then it is a showcase performance."
Davison, will be constantly reminding Taylor of how much he has to lose against Catterall next month.
He said: "I keep mentioning it in front of him on purpose.
"Josh has worked his socks off his whole life to get to the pinnacle of the sport.
"It doesn't get better than that. He has got everything, he has completed it.
"He is letting someone step in, one fight, and try to take it all off him? No way. That's not happening. No chance.
"A shortcut to what you have had to work so hard for, no chance, you can't allow that to happen.
"That is why I keep dropping that in and let him know.
"Not that Josh needs that. I have always been very impressed with Josh, he will always set himself new goals.
"But knowing how hard you have worked to reach where you have got to - for someone to just swoop in - not on this watch."
