Jack Catterall is not worried about fighting Josh Taylor in Scotland
WBO junior welterweight mandatory challenger Jack “El Gato” Catterall (26-0, 13ko) is ready for his shot at the undisputed crown held by Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor (18-0, 13ko). Moreover, he is not intimidated at all about fighting in the undisputed champion’s backyard.
On May 22, Taylor defeated fellow unified champion Jose Ramirez to sit atop the throne as king of the division. However, El Gato is the reason the fight was possible. His decision to step aside permitted Ramirez to move forward with the undisputed showdown. Moreover, Taylor promised to reward Catterall with the first crack at the title for doing the right thing by stepping aside.
“Huge big up to my teammate Jack Catterall for agreeing to step aside and let this massive fight happen. One hundred percent get your shot after I whoop Jose Ramirez’s ass.”
Catterall appreciated the respectful gesture, hopeful that Taylor was a man of his word.
“Hope you are a man of your word Josh Taylor….Bring them belts home then in 2021 we can dance.”
Taylor proved to be a man of his word, and after defeating Ramirez for all the belts, he made it clear who the next opponent would be.
“I’m annoyed myself that people keep asking me what’s next. I mean, Jack Catterall is next!”
A CONFIDENT CHALLENGER
The boxing world went into a frenzy when hearing the official announcement the fight would take place in the undisputed champion’s country of Scotland on December 18.
Catterall’s decision to step aside was a well-calculated move. Instead of fighting for one belt, he now has a chance at becoming an undisputed champion in just one fight. During an interview with iFL TV, he displayed confidence in his ability to beat Taylor despite being out of the ring for a year.
“I don’t think it will play a big part, I don’t think it’s ideal…It’s out of my control, I guess. As long as I am in the gym preparing, taking myself in difficult situations, putting myself in different spars, learning and adapting, that is all we can do.”
“I believe on my day, I can beat Josh Taylor. I believe that my timing, my distance, my speed, I think I can match him with power. I think if I go in there and perform, I can beat Josh.”
Furthermore, he believes there is more pressure on Taylor fighting at home in front of the hometown crowd.
“I think the pressure on Josh for this fight….It’s Josh’s homecoming. He has not boxed at home in a couple of years. He’s been out in the states winning big fights. He’s got to come home and try to show the fans and everybody else that he is the real deal.”
Catterall makes a good point. Several times in boxing, fans witnessed a fighter making a homecoming return after winning the championship and finding themselves on the losing end.
Can this happen to 3kingsboxing.com #5 rated fighter in Taylor? The answer will be revealed live on Sky Sports at The SSE Hydro, in Glasgow, Scotland on December 18.
By: Garrisson Bland
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