Jack Catterall is seemingly going to have o wait a little longer for his highly anticipated rematch with former undisputed and Current WBO super-lightweight world champion Josh Taylor. Boxing Scene has confirmed after communications with Bob Arum that the rematch will no longer be taking place on the supposed anticipated February 4th date which had been previously reported. This is due to broadcast issues with lead broadcaster, Sky Sports, hosting a PPV event between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith on January 19th. The broadcaster feels that it needs more time between the PPV broadcasts to make the event more marketable and appealing to purchase.
No date has formally or even rumored at this stage however, Arum, feels that it will land either in late Febuary or March at the latest. The event is still scheduled to take place at the OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. Catterall and his team had wanted the rematch to take place outside of Scotland however Taylor wasnt willing to give up the home advantage. Furthermore was not obligated to give Catterall a rematch despite the scoring controversy.
Scorecards of judges Ian-John Lewis (114-111) and Victor Loughlin (113-112) in favour of Taylor despite Judge Howard Foster scored Catterall a 113-112 winner caused outrage with Catterall and his team which ultimately pressured Taylor into a rematch. 2022 has seen Taylor vacate the IBF, WBA and WBC titles leaving the WBO and Ring Magazine up for grabs. Referee, Marcus McDonnell, also took points softly away from both fighters during the original February contest which muddied the waters even further.
It initially appeared as though Taylor and Catterall would fight again November 26 at OVO Hydrow, but their rematch eventually was pushed into 2023. It seems now that more than a year will have passed between their two bouts, but Taylor has been adamant about attempting to redeem himself for what the Scottish southpaw considers a subpar performance against Catterall nine months ago.
