Taylor was a controversial winner over Jack Catterall

Josh Taylor relinquishes WBC title dreams Catterall rematch

By Our Reporter On Jul 2, 2022 0

Josh Taylor has decided to relinquish his WBC light-welterweight world title to pave the way for a rematch with domestic rival Jack Catterall after their controversial first fight back in February.

The unbeaten Scot had been due to defend his belts against his WBC mandatory challenger Jose Zepeda, but he has now opted against taking that fight.

The governing body confirmed the news, and hit out at Taylor for delaying a decision on his future.

‘The WBC truly regrets having lost so much time and having mandatory contender Jose Zepeda frozen as well as other fighters in the division,’ the statement read.

‘We wish Josh Taylor success in his future inside and outside the ring.’

Taylor became undisputed world champion in the 140-pound division in May 2021, beating Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

He is no longer in possession of two of the belts he won that night, though, after being stripped of his WBA world title earlier this year.

Ramirez will now get the opportunity to become a two-time world champion, as he is set to take on Zepeda for the vacant WBC strap.

Meanwhile, Taylor appears to be setting his sights on settling the score with Catterall.

The pair fought in Glasgow just over four months ago, with Catterall producing the performance of his career to put his opponent on the back foot for the majority of the contest.

The Englishman scored a knockdown, and when the final bell rang, many ringside observers expected him to have his hand raised.

However, the judges saw things differently, handing Taylor a split-decision victory to the disgust of Catterall.

There have been calls for a rematch ever since, but it seemed that Catterall may not get his wish, with Taylor considering moving up in weight.

Yet Taylor claimed last month that he was planning to stay in the 10-stone weight class to face Catterall again, and that fight now looks likely to be made after he stepped away from his mandatory defence against Zepeda.