Josh Taylor sent a chilling warning to Jack Catterall, as tensions ramped up ahead of their eagerly-anticipated rematch on April 27.
Taylor and Catterall were separated after laying hands on each other at the head-to-head, following a press conference in Edinburgh on Monday and security was beefed up after the feuding pair clashed again prior to a press conference in Manchester on Tuesday.
Catterall, who was on the wrong end of a contentious split decision loss to ‘The Tartan Tornado’ in February 2022, believes the Scot’s best days are behind him.
However, Taylor insists his rival will get hurt should he decide to meet him toe-to-toe when they fight in Leeds, live on DAZN.
Asked if he will stop the Chorley man this time around, Taylor told Pro Boxing Fans: “I certainly can.
“If he’s acting the way he’s been acting today and comes out like that, he’ll get put out on a stretcher, because his offence game is s***.”
The former undisputed super lightweight champion suffered a first professional defeat to Teofimo Lopez in June, losing his remaining WBO world title in New York.
Catterall has won two on the bounce since his maiden professional loss to the 30-year-old, beating three-weight world champion, Jorge Linares in his most recent outing in October.
The rivals were much more cordial to each other during an interview with talkSPORT on Wednesday and even shook hands live on air.
During the discussion, however ‘El Gato’ predicted a victory so decisive that Taylor will never fight again.
“I think he touched the ceiling with [beating Jose] Ramirez [to win the undisputed championship,” the 30-year-old said.
“I beat him and since then he’s been on the decline.
“I think after April 27, Josh Taylor retires.”
‘The Tartan Tornado’ hit back and insisted he will continue regardless of the result on April 27.
“No. Not one bit [is it crossing my mind to retire],” he said.
“Because I know he ain’t going to beat me and I wouldn’t be retiring if he does win anyway, there’s still some fights out there.
“There’s a third fight [with Catterall].”
“Catterall replied: “He’s thinking about the options once he gets beat.
“But, I honestly believe this is his final fight and then he’s finished.”
