WILL JACK CATTERALL BEAT JOSH TAYLOR IN A REMATCH ?
In a thrilling 12-round junior welterweight bout in Liverpool, England, Jack Catterall claimed an impressive unanimous decision victory over Jorge Linares. The judges' scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 116-112 solidified Catterall's triumphant night, marking a significant step in his career. Although he does not currently hold any titles, Catterall has earned the prestigious title of ESPN's No. 1 boxer at 140 pounds, a well-deserved accolade following a contentious decision loss to Josh Taylor for the undisputed championship last year.
The battle between Catterall and Linares showcased Catterall's exceptional skills. In the fifth round, he stunned Linares with a powerful left hand that forced his opponent to clutch the ropes. Throughout the bout, Catterall appeared to have Linares in trouble on multiple occasions, but the 38-year-old Venezuelan warrior managed to avoid being stopped, showing tremendous resilience after being TKO'd in his two previous fights.
Catterall, who returned to the ring after a 15-month layoff with a decision win over Darragh Foley in May, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, saying, "These 12 rounds with Jorge are going to put me in good shape heading into these big fights. ... I did what I set out to do. ... Taylor, where are you? Let's have it." Indeed, a rematch with Josh Taylor remains a coveted prospect for Catterall, despite Taylor's recent loss to Teofimo Lopez in June, which cost him his championship status.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has affirmed his commitment to making the rematch happen, expressing that "It's personal now." Hearn plans to contact Taylor's promoter, Top Rank, to initiate talks for a potential rematch in early 2024. Even though Taylor aims to campaign at 147 pounds, Hearn is open to the idea of a catchweight bout, underlining the intensity of the rivalry between the two fighters.
Catterall emphasized the need for challenging opponents, stating, "I'm going to need a Josh Taylor, a Devin Haney, a Regis Prograis to bring the best out of me and bring that fire." The fiery determination in Catterall's words reflects his ambition to prove himself against the best in the division.
Catterall's performance against Linares was nothing short of remarkable. The 30-year-old showcased his slick southpaw style, which proved to be a challenging puzzle for the 38-year-old Linares. Despite a cut over Linares's left eye in the second round due to a clash of heads, Catterall's timing and ability off the back foot left his opponent struggling to find answers.
Linares, a three-division champion, tried to utilize his jab and occasionally displayed the athleticism that had marked his illustrious career. However, Catterall's defense and ring generalship made it a tough night for Linares. Though Linares displayed moments of brilliance, his frequent misses with right hands ultimately contributed to his defeat.
In the aftermath of the bout, Linares expressed his satisfaction with the fight, stating, "To lose with this guy, I feel amazing; I feel happy. He's an amazing fighter. ... I don't need to fight anymore. I'm super happy with this fight."
With Catterall's victory, he has positioned himself for another title shot in the coming year or even the possibility of seeking revenge in a rematch with Josh Taylor. As Hearn noted, "Every fighter wants to win a world title, but every fighter wants a fight with that buildup." The prospect of a rematch with Taylor holds immense appeal, as it's a battle that fight fans around the world eagerly await.
The excitement in the junior welterweight division is palpable, and Catterall's remarkable performance against Linares has set the stage for thrilling future matchups. The journey continues for Jack Catterall, and the world of boxing awaits his next chapter with bated breath.
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