In a fiery face-off to promote their highly anticipated rematch on April 27, Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall had to be physically separated, reigniting the intense rivalry between the two fighters.
The initial bout in 2022, where Taylor claimed the undisputed super lightweight title via a controversial split decision, left a bitter taste that has only intensified over time.
Monday's press conference in Edinburgh witnessed a heated exchange of insults, nearly escalating into a physical confrontation. Matchroom's Eddie Hearn stepped in to prevent a clash as Taylor and Catterall exchanged verbal blows. Amidst the tension, Taylor boldly declared to Catterall, "You're f****d."
😤😤😤#TaylorCatterall2 pic.twitter.com/FA5bMM2UzD
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 19, 2024
Not mincing his words, Catterall expressed his lack of respect for Taylor and his belief that the champion is on the decline. "I don't believe he wanted to fight me. I won last time, and now, two years later, I've got two victories under my belt. He's on the decline, and I'm going to capitalize on it and put him to bed," declared the confident 30-year-old.
Reflecting on their first encounter, Catterall emphasized his intent to win decisively this time. "Without a shadow of a doubt, I will win inside the distance. I'm coming in there to do damage," he asserted.
Undeterred by Catterall's claims, Taylor dismissed his opponent's knockout predictions, stating, "He said he's going to knock me out – he's never knocked anyone out in his life. I can't wait for this fight."
Their recent confrontation was almost a carbon copy from their weigh in back in 2022
The bad blood between the fighters has led to the bout being aptly labeled "Hate Runs Strong." However, Taylor clarified, "I don't hate anyone – I just don't like this guy. I can't wait to smash his brains in. It's kind of a crossroads fight. My last two fights haven't been great – I've got a point to prove. I need to be back to my best and win this fight to keep my career on the go. It's a big fight."
Despite the animosity, Taylor recognizes the significance of the match in his career. Hearn hailed Taylor as "arguably Scotland's greatest ever fighter," but Taylor himself acknowledges that even a victory over Catterall may not bring him on par with the legendary Ken Buchanan, with whom he shared a friendship.
The intensity peaked during the opening press conference, with both fighters exchanging jibes before a passionate home crowd in Edinburgh. Security separated the pair before Taylor shouted to his rival, who had claimed during the press conference that the Scot 'couldn't see straight': "I can see straight now and you are f****d."
The Scottish crowd strongly backed Taylor, booing Catterall and his manager, Sam Jones, throughout the event.
As the fighters head to Manchester for a second press conference, anticipation for the rematch continues to build, with tickets set to go on sale later this week.