Jack Catterall has warned Josh Taylor that he will finish his career when the pair clash in an eagerly-anticipated rematch on April 27.
Taylor and Catterall will finally meet for a second time in Leeds, over two years on since their controversial first fight which ‘The Tartan Tornado’ won by split decision.
The pair have been embroiled in a bitter social media war of words ever since and even clashed at ringside last year with both in attendance at a fight in Manchester.
Catterall insists their rivalry has become personal and says he intends on ending the Scot’s career.
“I’ve wanted this fight since the moment the scorecards got read out in Glasgow,” the 30-year-old said.
“A few people say ‘move on Jack’, and that’s easy to say to when you’re not in my position.
“I get asked every day of my life multiple times a day, ‘when are you fighting Taylor again?’.
“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.”
Former undisputed super lightweight champion, Taylor has had one fight since beating Catterall, losing his remaining WBO world title to Teofimo Lopez on points in New York last June.
‘El Gato’ has had two bouts in the interim, claiming a unanimous decision victory over former three-weight world champion, Jorge Linares in his last fight in October.
The bitter rivals contested the undisputed super lightweight championship when they first met in February 2022 and despite there being no belts on the line this time, the bout has been set once again at 140lbs.
Taylor and Catterall will come face-to-face for the first time on Monday at a press conference in Edinburgh to formally announce the showdown, concluding a two-leg press tour in Manchester on Tuesday.
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing will promote the fight on DAZN in the UK and Ireland, whilst the bout will be broadcasted by ESPN in the USA.
The Matchroom boss has predicted a fiery build-up: “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.
“Despite the offers to stage this fight on PPV, I am proud that Matchroom and DAZN have stepped up make this fight available to subscribers as part of their subscription and I can’t wait for the intense build up and a huge event on April 27.”
