Taylor Explains Reasons Behind Poor Performance in First Meeting with Catterall

Former undisputed junior welterweight (up to 63.5 kg) champion Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) shared why he performed poorly in his first fight against Jack Catterall (28-1, 13 KOs).

"All this nonsense about me not wanting to fight and trying to run away is just stupidity. Just look at my career and the people I've fought. I've fought several former world champions and defeated six world champions. How could I be afraid to fight Jack Catterall? Let's be serious.

I've explained about the last fight a hundred times. Yes, I was on top, at the summit of Everest, just been to Vegas and conquered the world, became the undisputed world champion.

And to come back to fight Jack Catterall, who... No disrespect to him, I don't treat him contemptuously, I don't like the guy, but I don't despise him. It felt like he hadn't achieved anything, he hadn't boxed anyone, as if he had lost to Ohara Davies.

I was still going out, still drinking with my mates and just training, not taking it seriously at all, still was heavy, fat and left everything until the last minute, and made the weight at the last moment. What I showed was crap, all because I underestimated my opponent," Taylor said.

In their first encounter in February 2022, Taylor won by majority decision, having been knocked down twice and suffering a cut. The rematch is scheduled for April 27 in Leeds, United Kingdom.