Josh Taylor’s contentious victory over Jack Catterall in February 2022 continues to stir debate.
Jack Catterall vs. Jorge Linares
Location: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool Date: Saturday, October 21
Coverage: Live audio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra beginning at 22:15 BST; real-time text updates available on Sport News Center’s website and app.
Nearly two decades of relentless training and fighting culminated in this intense moment.
As the final gong rang out, Jack Catterall— who had floored and even outperformed light-welterweight champ Josh Taylor at various moments—threw his arms up in victory, letting out a deafening battle cry.
Both the dark horse contender and the lion’s share of spectators were of the opinion that ‘El Gato’ had accomplished the extraordinary—becoming the first British man to claim the undisputed world championship title.
But then the judges’ scorecards turned the table. Taylor eked out a split decision win, leaving Catterall and his team in a state of utter bewilderment.
“You could see the jubilation as that last bell tolled, between me and my trainers. Not only did I win that bout, but I also did so decidedly,” Catterall said in an interview with Sport News Center.
“Since the age of 10, I’ve dedicated my life to boxing. I was at the pinnacle, only to have it snatched away from me by some questionable decisions.”
Fast forward to a year and a half later, Catterall, now 30, is prepping to go toe-to-toe with Jorge Linares, a three-weight world champion, this Saturday in Liverpool.
Though he’s focused on the upcoming fight against the Venezuelan veteran, the specter of his past clash with Taylor looms large in his life.
While he asserts that he has moved on, questions and conversations about a possible rematch with Taylor keep trailing him.
“The chatter about facing Taylor again isn’t dying down, and I would love a rematch. It’s something I want in the foreseeable future,” Catterall remarked.
Boxing’s Credibility Takes a Hit
Since turning pro in 2012, Catterall has racked up 27 wins and a solitary loss. Yet the highly controversial nature of that loss, which prevented him from capturing all four major world titles, caused an uproar in the boxing fraternity.
“I frequent two or three local amateur gyms, sharing my wisdom with the young talents who dream about one day fighting for world titles,” Catterall said. “But after they witnessed what unfolded with me, it’s become a deterrent. I still receive countless messages from disheartened fans who’ve sworn off boxing. It’s like the sport took a reputation hit.”
Upon joining Matchroom Boxing earlier this year, promoter Eddie Hearn hailed him as “the people’s undisputed world champion.”
The indignation even reached the hallowed halls of the British Parliament, where local MP and Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle demanded a police investigation. A neighborhood pub temporarily redubbed itself ‘The Catterall Arms’ in solidarity.
After the rankings tumble, Taylor mockingly suggested that Catterall “call the police,” to which Catterall retorted that Taylor was a “gentleman devoid of any class.”
Initially, a rematch was on the cards, but Taylor pulled out due to an injury and subsequently faced American Teofimo Lopez, which resulted in Taylor’s first professional defeat.
Taylor has expressed willingness for a rematch but insists it be in the welterweight class.
“He’s the king of inconsistency,” quipped Catterall. “After he comfortably made weight against Lopez, he now wants to move up? His behavior over the past year has made this very personal for me.”
A Legendary, Yet Fading, Opponent
Since the Taylor debacle, Catterall has fought just once, besting Darragh Foley in May. He aims to take on WBC light-welterweight world champion Regis Prograis, but for now, he must first navigate past Jorge Linares this weekend.
The 38-year-old Linares, despite being a three-weight world champion and undefeated against Brits, has seen better days, with three straight losses in his recent bouts.
“Look, I’m entering the prime years of my career, whereas Linares has seen his best days come and go,” Catterall candidly admitted. “But make no mistake, he remains a formidable adversary. His punches still pack a wallop, and that’s often the last thing to fade in a fighter.”
“So, for now, it’s all about shining this Saturday. After that, we can talk about Taylor, Prograis, and Haney all we want,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jack Catterall
What is the main focus of the article?
The article primarily discusses British boxer Jack Catterall’s controversial loss to Josh Taylor in February 2022, its impact on the sport’s credibility, and his upcoming match against Jorge Linares.
Who is Jack Catterall fighting next?
Jack Catterall is set to fight three-weight world champion Jorge Linares on Saturday, October 21, at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.
Why is the loss to Josh Taylor considered controversial?
The loss is considered controversial because many believe that Catterall had outperformed Taylor and should have won the match. However, the judges awarded a split decision victory to Taylor, which led to an uproar within the boxing community.
Has Jack Catterall moved on from his loss to Josh Taylor?
While Catterall insists he has moved on and is focusing on his upcoming fight, he still receives questions and messages about the Taylor loss and a potential rematch. He admits the controversy continues to haunt him.
What impact did the controversial decision have on boxing according to Catterall?
Catterall claims that the dubious decision not only robbed him of a championship but also damaged the reputation of the sport. He has received countless messages from disheartened fans who’ve sworn off boxing, indicating that the sport took a reputation hit.
What is the stance of promoter Eddie Hearn and the British Parliament on Catterall’s controversial loss?
Promoter Eddie Hearn introduced Catterall as “the people’s undisputed world champion” when he joined Matchroom Boxing. Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons and Catterall’s local Member of Parliament, even called for a police investigation into the matter.
Is a rematch with Josh Taylor on the cards?
While a rematch was initially agreed upon, Taylor withdrew due to an injury. Taylor has expressed a willingness for a rematch but wants it to take place in the welterweight class. Catterall is open to negotiations and believes a rematch is likely in the future.
How does Catterall view his upcoming opponent, Jorge Linares?
Catterall sees Linares as a “modern day legend” but also acknowledges that the 38-year-old is past his prime. Despite this, he considers Linares a dangerous opponent and is not looking past him.
More about Jack Catterall
- Jack Catterall’s Professional Record
- The Controversial Fight: Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall Highlights
- Jorge Linares’ Boxing Career
- BBC Sport’s Coverage of the Catterall-Linares Fight
- Interview with Eddie Hearn on Jack Catterall
- The British Parliament’s Stance on Boxing Controversies
- Jack Catterall’s Interview with Sport Newes Center
- Overview of Boxing’s Scoring System and Controversies
- Josh Taylor’s Comments on the Catterall Rematch
- Regis Prograis and the WBC Light-Welterweight Landscape
10 comments
Back in my day, a fight was a fight, and a loss was a loss. Too much talk, just get back in the ring and prove ur worth!
Good on Catterall for not just sitting around moping. Linares ain’t a joke, but Jack’s got this!
Look, I like Taylor, but even I gotta admit that fight was sketchy. Hope we get a fair rematch tho.
Taylor wanting the rematch at welterweight? Convenient after a loss, ain’t it?
Man, Catterall got robbed big time. The sport needs to get its act together or its gonna lose even more fans. smh
Its funny how people forget that Boxing is a business first. Controversies like this are what keep people talking, like it or not.
After reading this, I feel for Catterall, man. Hope he wins against Linares and finally gets the cred he deserves.
Interesting how politics even seep into sports. A member of the parliament calling for an investigation? That’s next level.
Catterall vs Linares? Now that’s a fight I’d pay to see. After that Taylor fiasco, I hope El Gato gets his moment of glory.
Love how this article paints the whole picture. Feels like I’m right in the drama and I can’t wait for Saturday’s fight.