Taylor vs. Catterall 2: End of the Road for Josh Taylor?
By Chris Carlson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 25 May 2024
How much gasoline does Josh Taylor have left in his tank as we approach Saturday’s long due rematch? Add to the fact Josh is coming off his only pro loss of his career to Teofimo Lopez. Adding another layer the bout being fought at junior welterweight, equates to the odds stacked against the Scotland native. It wasn’t the prettiest of prizefights between Jack Catterall and Josh Taylor. At times it was slow and sloppy but it was very close. Who will come out on top in this main event rematch streaming live on DAZN?
Neither boxer has been active since their split-decision result back in early 2022. The edge could be given to Jack Catterall for fighting twice in 2023. One could also point out Jack’s competition was nowhere near the likes of Teofimo Lopez especially on a good day which it was for Teo that June night. The biggest sticking point for this boxing podcaster is the weight. For so long we’ve heard how Josh Taylor cannot make the 140-pound limit so don’t be shocked if you hear about a late installed catchweight of sorts come Friday.
On the surface it would appear that Josh Taylor is the more talented boxer yet he sure didn’t show it in their first meeting. Catterall’s left hand was a key weapon for him eventually scoring a knockdown in the 8th round. Jack used a snappy jab along with left hands landing to the head and body to contain Taylor for the most part. He also used a poor man’s shoulder roll defense in spots to fend off Taylor’s offense, many times while on or near the ropes. The two kept tying up on the inside but it was Jack timing Taylor which disrupted Josh’s rhythm for a large part of the contest.
Taylor also kept leaning over up close on the inside which he ended up paying the price for it when Jack landed two left hands. One grazed Taylor but the second one landed near the temple dropping Josh to the canvas. Taylor didn’t even land 100 punches in the fight throwing a little over 300 to Jack’s 120 landed punches and more active throwing 525. Catterall more than doubled Josh on jabs landed and thrown, body work being the only advantage for Taylor. Both men had points deducted, Taylor for hitting after the bell and Catterall for holding.
Josh Taylor has expressed fear of not getting a fair shake from the officials on fight night. Whether that amounts to anything in reality has yet to be seen. This rematch could come down to Jack having Josh’s number. Like many boxers after losing for the first time, Josh changed trainers. Taylor also believes he has changed his regimen enough to make the junior welterweight class once again. Taylor is the underdog ranging from +112 to +130. This boxing junkie is hesitant to throw much down on the fight because of the over the hill vibe coming from Taylor’s last two outings. Josh only fighting for the second time in over two years is very concerning.
To be fair it’s not like we should have a ton of confidence in Jack. This is a tough one to call and regardless of the style matchup has a high level of intrigue written all over it. Look for it to be a somewhat similar fight to the first one with Josh Taylor being effective enough making slight adjustments to pull it off. +126 on mybookie is too high to pass up in my humble opinion. If you feel the same and think it goes the distance, Josh Taylor by decision is +246. Let’s hope for another two-way fight with more action this time around.
My Official Prediction is Josh Taylor by Majority-Decision.
PODCAST LINK: https://t.co/4n9eoYwEBM
Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast Available at www.blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
JONES VS. GUALTIERI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Thu, 21 May 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: From Madrid to Johannesburg – The Legacy of the WBC in South Africa
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 21 May 2026TYSON VS. MAYWEATHER EXHIBITION IS ON— TYSON BROKEN HAND PUSHES EVENT FROM SPRING TO FALL OF 2026
Thu, 21 May 2026Three Lions Promotions Building pro boxing back to Glory days in Metro Vancouver
Thu, 21 May 2026Jenn Perella shines, Bobby Laing stops Russ Kimber in 1st round
Thu, 21 May 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Gustavo Trujillo Looks to Continue his Rise in the Heavyweight Division
Thu, 21 May 2026Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante rules 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures Eight More Victories on Day Three of 2026 Copa America
Thu, 21 May 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 19 MAY 2026: Davis Outpoints Albright; Kuse Dethrones Jerusalem; Donovan Defeats Chukhadzhian; Hrgovic Stops Allen
By Eric Armit, Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 2026Filipino grabs second place in the National Canada Chess Challenge 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama Outshines MVP Gilgeous-Alexander as Spurs Beat Thunder 122-115 in Double Overtime Thriller
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 20260 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP
Wed, 20 May 2026CARL “THE COBRA” FROCH REUNITES WITH ANDRE WARD ON ART OF WARD FOR FIRST IN-DEPTH SIT-DOWN SINCE THEIR LEGENDARY SUPER SIX FINAL
Wed, 20 May 2026