Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall rematch: Preview, verdict, tips and suggested bets

In February 2022, Taylor made his first defence as undisputed champion since beating Jose Ramirez to collect all the belts at light welterweight against mandatory challenger Catterall.

Regarded at the time as one of the finest British boxers of this era, Taylor was expected to steamroll past Catterall en route to bigger and better things.

Despite taking a significant step up for this fight, Catterall did not stick to the script and floored Taylor on away turf on the way to what should have been a remarkable upset victory on points. 

But this is not how the post-fight drama unfolded, as Taylor was controversially ruled the split decision winner.

This sparked mass outrage among the boxing community, with the vast majority of fans feeling empathy for Catterall, who had been robbed of his newly-earned status of being undisputed champion.

A rematch was the obvious route to go down for each boxer but injuries and politics have got in the way to ensure the second fight was put on the backburner.

Taylor has lost a lot of fans in the process, with many arguing that he was ducking the rematch while he foolishly argued that he won the fight.

 

 

In the meantime, Taylor and Catterall have continued their feud over social media, with consistent barbs being exchanged between the fighters and their respective teams to maintain intrigue until the rematch eventually happens.

Taylor’s stock has also dramatically dropped in the ring as his only fight since the supposed win over Catterall came in June 2023 as he lost on points against an inspired Teofimo Lopez.

With ‘The Tartan Tornado’ at a crossroads in his career, he has turned back to the Catterall fight, with it pushed back to May 25 from April 27 after Taylor suffered an eye injury in camp.

As for Catterall, he has only been slightly more active than Taylor as a promotional dispute with Boxxer resulted in him signing with Matchroom Boxing.

Since linking up with Eddie Hearn, he fought twice in 2023 and earned unanimous decision victories against Darragh Foley and Jorge Linares.

Catterall went into the first fight with Taylor as a massive underdog, but a lot can change in two years and he heads into Saturday night as a slight favourite.

‘El Cato’ had Taylor’s number last time out, but the Scotsman clearly overlooked his opponent in what proved to be a very below-par performance.

Taylor will certainly give a better account of himself this weekend, but this still may not be enough given his inactivity and increased miles on the clock compared to Catterall.

Expect a potential fight-of-the-year contender. Neither man can afford to lose, but there will be a treasure trove of mega fights ahead for the winner.

We think the brass ring will be grasped by Catterall, with a late stoppage certainly a possibility.

 

Suggested bets

Jack Catterall to win on points - 7/4
Jack Catterall to win (Rounds 7-9) - 15/2

 

Date, start time, venue and how to watch

The Taylor vs Catterall II card takes place at The First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday, May 25. 

This event will be broadcast as part of a monthly subscription on DAZN in the United Kingdom and worldwide. In the UK, the price point is £9.99 per month.

The main card is due to get underway at 7:00pm in the United Kingdom and 2:00pm E.T, while the main event is pencilled in for 10:00pm in the UK and 5:00pm E.T.

 

Full Taylor vs Catterall II undercard

Cheavon Clarke vs Ellis Zorro (cruiserweight)

Paddy Donovan vs Lewis Ritson (welterweight)

Gary Cully vs Francesco Patera (lightweight)

George Liddard vs Graham McCormack (middleweight)

Giorgio Visioli vs Sergio Odabai (super-featherweight)

Emmanuel Buttigieg vs Anas Isarti (super-welterweight)