After more than two years of waiting, bitter rivals Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall will finally meet in a hugely anticipated rematch at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday April 27, shown live on DAZN in the UK and around the world and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S.
The enemies have been embroiled in a heated war of words since February 2022 when they met on an unforgettable night at The OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow for Taylor’s undisputed super-lightweight world title.
Intense debate has raged in the aftermath of their first fight, when Scotland’s Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) protected his unbeaten record with a hugely controversial split decision points win to retain his then-undisputed super-lightweight crown.
During a pulsating battle, Taylor was cut twice by the left eye and was put down by Catterall in the eighth round before he was deducted one point in the 11th for punching after the bell. Catterall, meanwhile, was deducted one point for holding in the 10th.
Chorley’s ‘El Gato’ (28-1, 13 KOs) appeared to outbox Taylor for long periods but ultimately tasted defeat for the first time in his career after Taylor clung onto his titles. The decision caused outrage among some boxing fans and the two have been at loggerheads ever since.
Following his clash with Catterall, ‘The Tartan Tornado’ relinquished his WBC, IBF and WBA world titles due to pending mandatory orders – and then lost his WBO crown to a resurgent Teofimo Lopez in New York City last June.
Catterall ended a 15-month ring absence by widely outpointing Irishman Darragh Foley over 10 rounds at Manchester’s AO Arena in May 2023 before sending multi-weight world champion Jorge Linares into retirement after dominating the Venezuelan legend over 12 rounds in Liverpool last October.
In what is one of the most eagerly anticipated rematches in modern British boxing history, the fierce rivals will go head-to-head once more in a 12-round super-lightweight contest on neutral territory - with plenty of bad blood and animosity guaranteed in a blockbuster build-up.
“I’ve never run from anyone in my life, especially not Jack Catterall,” said Taylor.
“He has spent the last two years running from promoter to promoter while living off my name. Jack should be careful what he wishes for because he’s getting battered on April 27. I am going to enjoy every second of this. See you soon, Jack.”
“I’ve wanted this fight since the moment the scorecards got read out in Glasgow,” said Catterall.
“A few people say ‘move on Jack’, and that’s easy to say when you’re not in my position. I get asked every day of my life multiple times a day, ‘when are you fighting Taylor again?’ This isn’t about belts, this is personal to me and I can’t wait to get my hands on him. I don’t like him, I don’t respect him and on April 27 I’m going to end him.”
"I’m so happy to get this fight made," said Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn.
"British boxing has been crying out for a big fight and now we look to settle the score of one of the most bitter rivalries in the sport. It will be nearly two years to the day since their controversial undisputed fight and not a day has past where opinion and debate has not ensued. The pair have engaged in a back and forth full of hatred and now the time has come to finally meet again in Leeds on April 27.
"Despite the offers to stage this fight on PPV, I am proud that Matchroom and DAZN have stepped up to make this fight available to subscribers as part of their subscription and I can’t wait for the intense build up and a huge event on April 27."
“This is the ultimate grudge match between two of the world’s top 140-pounders,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
“These two warriors will settle the score in front of what I’m sure will be an incredible crowd in Leeds. If you look at Josh Taylor’s career, he has never, ever backed down from a challenge, and he will be in peak form on April 27.”
“What an incredible fight this will be,” said Alfie Sharman, VP, DAZN.
“It has all the makings of a classic - a cracking back story, an explosive build-up and what will be an unmissable fight night. From the first to last bell expect fireworks. DAZN now enter a run of unrivalled shows spanning the globe, featuring the biggest names in the best matchups with Taylor vs. Catterall 2 being one of the many high points. Watch it on DAZN April 27.”
An announcement on ticket details and a launch press conference will follow soon.