Josh Taylor big favorite to defeat Jack Catterall tomorrow

Challenger Jack Catterall, who fights heavily favored unified junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor tomorrow is hardly a household name in boxing circles, though he’s undefeated in 26 professional fights. He’s been the highest-ranking contender in the division for three years by the WBO.

Still.  

Jack who? 

“I believe that I’ve got a better defense than a lot of the fighters he’s boxed," Catterall told Tom Gray of The Ring. “My timing; my speed is underrated, my reactions. But, ultimately, the best Jack Catterall is a different fighter from your Prograis, your Ramirez, your (Viktor) Postols. I’m a different challenge for Josh by just being me.” 

Taylor is aware of Catterall. 

"He’s a good fighter," said Taylor to Alexander Netherton of DAZN News. "I’ve got a lot of respect for Jack. But he will come up short. He will taste his first defeat as a professional. 

“He just isn’t as good as I am. It is a step up in class for him because he hasn’t boxed at the level that I have. He is a talented fighter but he hasn’t got what it takes to beat me." 

Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs) is likely correct. Catterall has never faced an opponent with Taylor’s all-around abilities. Catterall can punch a little (13 KOs) but is also coming off a lengthy layoff.  

Catterall, who began boxing at 10, has paid his dues. After a successful amateur career, he turned pro in 2012. He fought often - capturing the WBO Inter-Continental 11 fights into his campaign.  Only six bouts later, he picked up the British light-welterweight title by decisioning Tyrone Nurse. Three more successful defenses of his WBO crown suggested a world title shot was forthcoming.

It was, then it wasn’t. Announced fights against either champion Maurice Hooker, or Jose Ramirez, never materialized. Catterall excepted step-aside money to allow Ramirez to meet Taylor with an agreement in place that he’d fight the winner. A match with Taylor was proposed for last December but postponed when Taylor sustained an injury during training.  

Taylor, 31, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, has had star appeal all of his boxing life. In only his 12^th professional fight, he defeated former champion, Victor Postol.

In 2018, he entered and won the World Boxing Light Welterweight tournament by defeating contender Ryan Martin, and champions Ivan Baranchyk, and in a thriller, Regis Prograis. His victory over Ramirez last year cemented the Scottish native’s place as a top fighter.  

He’ll bring a three-inch height advantage into the ring against Catterall. His experience in big fights is also substantial. He can box or slug. Catterall has nothing to lose and will lay it on the line, but there are levels in boxing.  

Taylor is the all-around better fighter. His hometown crowd will inspire him. 

I see him winning by stoppage.