Fans, promoters and trainers demand inquest as Josh Taylor is awarded ‘laughable’ decision

By Jared Parry

FANS in Glasgow were left stunned as their countryman Josh Taylor escaped with his world titles following his bout with Chorley’s Jack Catterall, despite being floored and having a point deducted.

Catterall put on the performance of his life and took control early on. Taylor had the range advantage, but that was instantly nullified as Catterall got up close and began fighting on the inside.

It was a scrappy affair, with many clinches and excessive holding. Rounds were close, but it was apparent that Catterall was on top, winning five of the first six rounds in most observers’ eyes.

Catterall’s southpaw stance proved to be a stylistic nightmare for Taylor, and Catterall asserted his dominance in round eight, flooring Taylor with a big left hand.

The 10th round saw a slight turn in the tide, as referee Marcus McDonnell had seen enough holding and Catterall was deducted a point, exactly what Taylor needed as this was now Catterall’s fight to lose.

However, Taylor cancelled out Catterall’s point deduction by receiving a deduction himself for punching after the bell in round 11. Taylor finished the 12th strong, but many believed it was not enough as he looked like a beaten man while Catterall celebrated what looked a certain victory.

An inexplicable 114-111 from judge Ian John Lewis combined with Victor Loughlin’s equally laughable 113-112 in Taylor’s favour,

It meant Catterall’s nightmare was confirmed, as Taylor was gifted a split decision victory.

Promoter Ben Shalom said: “There has to be an inquest because I’ve seen this on other promoters’ shows and I’ve sort of maybe laid the blame with them or not understood what’s gone on.

“But this is embarrassing and if there’s not an inquest it’s going to harm the sport.”

One man who certainly did not mince his words following the fight was Catterall’s trainer, Jamie Moore. He said: “It’s difficult to put into words. He performs like that, beats the champion in his own back yard and gets absolutely robbed. It’s absolutely disgusting. He’s heartbroken.”

Taylor told the media that he believed he did win the fight, he just had a slow start. This left fans shocked as it was hard to make a case for victory. Taylor also expressed his desire to now move up to welterweight.

The rest of the card contained much more conclusive results, as Robeisy Ramirez impressed on his UK debut with a vicious body shot stopping the tough Eric Donovan in three rounds.

Nick Campbell stopped Jay McFarlane in seven rounds to become the first Scottish Heavyweight champion in 71 years. John Docherty was a late addition to the card, but a welcome one as he produced a knockout to continue his rise.

Ebonie Jones was held to a draw in her second professional fight, which unlike the main event, was considered a fair result. Mark Mckeown moved to 6-0 as he outpointed Engel Gomez.

Paddy Donovan and Bilal Fawaz impressed with knockout victories in there bouts, leaving both prospects to remain undefeated.

Debutants Kurt Walker, Scott Forrest and Kieran Molloy hit the ground running in their pro careers as they all produced knockout victories on the big stage.