‘I’m going to end him’, warns boxer ahead of Britain’s ‘most bitter grudge match’ after rematch is confirmed

10 months ago 50

JOSH TAYLOR and Jack Catterall have confirmed their most bitter of British rematches.

Taylor in February 2022 escaped the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow with a disputed split-decision victory.

The controversy and bitterness shared between the two made an immediate rematch a no-brainer.

But competing promotions and networks stood in the way of the grudge match.

Although now after two years, a deal has finally been agreed for the arch rivals to settle the score on April 27 in Leeds.

Catterall said: “This isn’t about belts, this is personal to me and I can’t wait to get my hands on him.

“I don’t like him, I don’t respect him and on April 27 I’m going to end him.”

Taylor hit back: “I’ve never run from anyone in my life, especially not Jack Catterall.

“He has spent the last two years running from promoter to promoter while living off my name.

“Jack should be careful what he wishes for because he’s getting battered on April 27. I am going to enjoy every second of this. See you soon, Jack.”

Taylor, 33, at the time defended the undisputed WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles against Catterall, 30.

But as talks for a rematch dragged on, he was forced to vacate three of the four belts, left only with his WBO version.

He then lost it in his first career defeat to Teofimo Lopez, 26, last June and has not returned since.

Catterall meanwhile has won twice on the spin, most recently against former world champion Jorge Linares, 38, in October.

But when he finally gets Taylor in the ring, no titles will be on the line.

Instead, it will be for bragging rights as a deal was struck to once again meet at the 140lb super-lightweight limit on DAZN in the UK.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I’m so happy to get this fight made.

“British boxing has been crying out for a big fight and now we look to settling the score of one of the most bitter rivalries in the sport.

“It will be nearly two years to the day since their controversial undisputed fight and not a day has past where opinion and debate has not ensued.

“The pair have engaged in a back and forth full of hatred and now the time has come to finally meet again in Leeds on April 27.”