Jack Catterall shoots down "personal" rivalry with Josh Taylor while reflecting on long-awaited victory
Jack Catterall secured the win he had been waiting almost three years for, as he handed Josh Taylor his second consecutive career defeat on May 25. The pair met at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England in a highly anticipated rematch of their clash in 2022.
Taylor had successfully defended his undisputed light-welterweight world titles against Catterall. But the result was surrounded by controversy, with large portions of boxing fans believing that the Manchunian deserved to have his hand raised.
The build-up to their rematch was filled with fiery exchanges, and Catterall was captured slapping his opponent during a press conference in February. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, labeled the clash as one of the most genuine bad-blood matchups he had ever seen, and anticipation entering the bout was high.
But following his vindicating victory, the Englishman dismissed any notion that their rivalry was personal. Catterall was interviewed by iFL TV following the bout, where he said this:
"You know what, there's been messages back-and-forth, nothing is personal. I think the fans were the winners tonight. We sold out an arena in Leeds, we both get to go home to our families. It's nothing personal, it's business. I've said it before, I'm not emotionally attached to boxing. I love boxing, but the rivalry with Josh - it's been a good thing for both of us, I think."
Watch Jack Catterall's interview below from 2:00:
Jack Catterall discusses a potential trilogy bout with Josh Taylor
Jack Catterall secured the biggest victory of his career so far when he clashed with Josh Taylor for a second time at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England.
'The Tartan Tornado' had suffered the first loss of his professional career in his previous fight, a title defeat at the hands of Teofimo Lopez. Having hoped to bounce back from the loss, he once again walked away unsuccessful as he has been handed another decision defeat.
Following his victory over the Scotsman, Catterall spoke about his desire to fight Lopez for the WBO world title. He was also asked if he would be interested in a trilogy bout with Taylor, and said this:
"Of course I'll entertain it... Josh has ran through the division, he was undisputed. I want my chance to go and win a world title. Maybe I win a world title and then fight Josh in the future." [2:48-3:08 in Jack Catterall's aforementioned interview]