By Jared Parry
Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall will make history this weekend as they meet this weekend in Glasgow in the first undisputed world title fight on Scottish soil in the modern era.
Scotland’s Taylor returns to venue he won his first world title this weekend to now defend all of the world titles at super-lightweight against Jack Catterall, in a fight that seems to have gone under the radar, live on Sky Sports.
Taylor (18-0) is considered by many as the best boxer in Britain. After a stellar amateur career, he has taken tough tests as a pro, and managed to pick up every world title in his division.
Taylor had been knocking on the door at world level, and in late 2018 he entered the World Boxing Super Series. The tournament was made up of eight super-lightweight’s, two of which held world titles, so the winner of the tournament would hold two world titles. In the semi-final in 2019, Taylor beat Ivan Baranchyk to win the IBF world title, meaning he would be taking one belt into the final.
Regis Prograis was the other final competitor, coming in with the WBA world title. The vacant Ring Magazine world title was inserted into the picture too, making the final a three-belt affair. Taylor won in what was considered a fight of the year contender with a razor thin points victory.
The other two world titles (WBO and WBC) in the division were occupied by the Mexican, Jose Ramirez. Ramirez was promoted by Top Rank, and following the World Boxing Super Series, Taylor also signed for Top Rank.
Catterall (26-0) has had a very stop start career, only having 26 fights over eight years. However, Catterall is very much a sleeping giant in the division. The former British champion has cleaned up domestically, beating solid names such as Tyrone Nurse, Tyrone McKenna and Ohara Davies. Catterall worked his way through the rankings and in 2019 was made mandatory for the WBO world title.
With Taylor and Ramirez both under the same banner, the undisputed fight would be fairly simple to make. The only thing blocking it was Catterall’s status as mandatory challenger to Ramirez’s belt. Catterall opted to step aside to allow Taylor and Ramirez to fight, knowing he would be next in line, and the potential reward would be so much bigger. Taylor defeated Ramirez in 2020 to become undisputed super-lightweight champion.
This fight was scheduled for December 2021, but was delayed due to Taylor sustaining an injury. Its been a respectful build up, with both men believing they will win. Will Taylor reign supreme in front of his home fans or will Catterall spoil the party?
The rest of the card sees Cuban Olympic hero Robeisy Ramirez (8-1-0) make his UK debut against the tough Eric Donovan (14-1-0).
The first Scottish heavyweight title fight since 1951 takes place between Nick Campbell (4-0-0) and Jay McFarlane (12-5-0) which is sure to provide fireworks.
Cori Gibbs (16-0-0) returns following his superb win of the BOXXER tournament last time out. Also, Ebonie Jones (1-0-0) has her second professional fight following an impressive debut. Irish prospect Paddy Donovan (7-0-0) will be looking to continue his terrific form on the big stage.
Mark McKeown (5-0-0) and Craig Macintyre (12-0-1) will be looking to extend there unbeaten records in there respective fights.
Finally, Kieran Molloy, Scott Forrest and Kurt Walker will be looking to hit the ground running in the pro game as all three make there professional debut on this stacked card in Glasgow this weekend.