The rivalry between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall has become one of the most talked-about sagas in boxing, marked by controversial decisions and intense competition. Promoter Bob Arum believes that the only way to settle the disputes is through a decisive third fight. Here’s a closer look at their journey and the reasons why a trilogy fight is necessary.
The Initial Clash
In 2022, Josh Taylor, having unified the WBO, WBC, WBA, and IBF super-lightweight titles, defended his undisputed crown against Jack Catterall in Glasgow. The fight ended with Taylor winning by a split decision, a verdict that was heavily criticized and deemed controversial by many in the boxing community. The decision led to widespread debates about the fairness of the scoring and the integrity of the judging process.
The Rematch and Its Fallout
The controversy from their first encounter set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch in May. This time, Jack Catterall emerged victorious, winning by a unanimous decision with scores of 116-113 and 117-111 twice. Despite Catterall’s win, the scoring of the fight came under scrutiny. Bob Arum, who was present at the fight, expressed his dissatisfaction with the scorecards, describing them as “unacceptable.”
“I was in Leeds for that fight. I watched it carefully. There were three possible ways to score the fight: 7-5 Catterall, 7-5 Taylor, or 6-6 even,” Arum told Sky Sports. “The scorecards from the judges appointed by the British Board were just so out of line that they were unacceptable.”
The Call for a Third Fight
Bob Arum, promoter of Josh Taylor, insists that the best way to resolve the ongoing dispute is through a third fight. “Why not? They certainly fought their hearts out for 12 rounds and the crowd loved the fight,” Arum explained. “Because the scorecards really created a controversy, I think a third fight would be in order. But let’s see how it plays out.”
Arum emphasized that while he was disappointed with the scoring, he did not believe there was any foul play involved. Instead, he highlighted the importance of providing a fair and decisive conclusion to the rivalry.
Reactions from the British Boxing Board of Control
In response to Arum’s comments, the British Boxing Board of Control dismissed his claims as unfounded. However, the board’s stance has not diminished the calls from fans and experts for a third fight to settle the score between Taylor and Catterall definitively.
The Broader Impact on Boxing
The controversy surrounding the Taylor-Catterall fights has brought attention to the broader issues within boxing regarding judging and scoring. The sport has seen numerous instances where contentious decisions have marred the outcomes of high-stakes matches. A third fight between Taylor and Catterall could not only resolve their personal rivalry but also serve as a catalyst for reforms in how boxing matches are judged.
Looking Ahead
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the potential announcement of a third fight, both fighters continue to train and prepare for what could be the most important match of their careers. The resolution of their rivalry will not only settle their personal scores but also set a precedent for how controversial decisions are handled in the sport.
In the meantime, fans can only speculate and hope for a conclusive and fair outcome that will honor the dedication and skill of both Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall.
