Promoter Eddie Hearn wants to finally secure Jack Catterall [27-1] a rematch against domestic rival Josh Taylor. [19-1] That is if Catterall is successful against former two-weight world champion Jorge Linares [47-8]on October 21 in Liverpool, England.
The pair went head to head in a controversial bout in Glasgow in February of 2022, which saw Taylor claim a narrow and controversial points win to defend his then undisputed super-lightweight world titles. Many deeply contested the decision, which saw rematch plans put in place by promoters Boxxer and Top Rank, respectively.
However, it never materialised due to injuries sustained by Taylor on multiple occasions. Furthermore, the WBA, WBC & IBF stripped Taylor of their respective world titles, leaving Taylor only holding the WBO world crown. Taylor attempted to defend that particular strap on June 10 at Madison Square Garden but was unsuccessful and lost a unanimous decision to Lopez.
Catterall penned a promotional deal with Hearn and Matchroom Boxing earlier this year and returned to the ring for the first time since his February 2022 defeat to Taylor in May of this year. Catterall successfully negated past Darragh Foley in claiming a ten-round unanimous decision points win, with Hearn wanting to target major honours for the Chorley native.
Hearn admits to IFLTV that his prime objective for Catterall is to secure him a world title opportunity. Still, he can’t rule out a prospective bout with Taylor due to the natural rivalry and financial incentives around a contest between the pair. Hearn also confirmed that he has tentatively discussed a rematch with Carl Moretti of Top Rank.
"The plan for Jack is to get him in position to fight for a world title. However, we also appreciate that the fight with Josh Taylor is a huge fight. Josh is obviously not our fighter, but from reading between the lines he wants to move up in weight. I think he would be happy to fight Jack at a catchweight. I've spoken to Carl Moretti at Top Rank about that fight, they're definitely willing to entertain it. We need to provide them with some numbers and an offer to make that fight happen in January or February," Hearn told IFL TV.
"I would like to make that fight. I think it's a huge fight, it's a great fight, but he has to deal with Linares first. I know people will say that Linares is getting towards the end of his career, but he's putting everything into this camp. This is a dangerous fight for Jack Catterall. He wants Regis Prograis, but it looks like he's fighting Devin Haney. If there's no world title, the next best thing for Jack Catterall is Josh Taylor, and we'll do everything we can to make that."
