Jack Catterall almost ruins Josh Taylor Scotland homecoming, shafted on the scorecards

In the build-up to his homecoming defence against fellow unbeaten southpaw Jack Catterall, Scottish hero Josh Taylor, one of only two male undisputed champions in the sport, found himself the centre of debate regarding why his profile was not yet commensurate with his immense accomplishments. The 140lb supremo knew a win over WBO mandatory contender Catterall, highly talented but not a big name nor a boxer who had competed at this level previously, would not enhance his star status, but any slip-up of failure to look good could certainly harm it. With viewers watching live in the UK (Sky Sports) and across The Pond (ESPN +), Taylor, from Prestonpans near Edinburgh, simply had to impress on the big stage to keep going the momentum from winning the World Boxing Super Series and unifying the entire division. A statement victory would also keep alive hopes of future showdowns with the likes of Teofimo Lopez and Terence Crawford.

Catterall had not come to lie down at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, however. The Chorley man had done everything that had been asked of him, had even acquiesced to Taylor’s desire to become undisputed and now felt this was his time. With all the skills and a quality trainer in Jamie Moore, Catterall really fancied his chances. As it transpired, a star may have been born on the Boxxer/Top Rank show, but that man was Catterall who dropped and seemingly outscored a desultory Taylor, only to be robbed with a score of 113-112 in his favour being outweighed by tallies of 114-111 and 113-112 Taylor. It was a frankly awful split decision.

The challenger began well, probing in the opener, establishing his jab and landing one notable left hand. Taylor, the bigger man, took his time but got going in the next, landing fast blows to head and body and trying to physically impose himself. Josh stalked in round three, but was countered on the way in with quick flurries.

Catterall too the fourth as well, despite bleeding from the nose. His mobility and upper-body movement made Taylor miss and his sharp combinations made the ragged-looking champion pay. The pattern continued into the next session and it began to look as if this could be one bout too many at super-lightweight for Taylor. This theory was further supported by eye-catching Catterall one-twos in round six. Taylor, marked under the right eye, looked increasingly uncomfortable and appeared to be facing a major deficit on the cards.

The seventh was quieter, with Taylor doing more grappling than boxing. He was showing massive heart but little of the trademark speed and explosive bursts. It went from bad to worse for the native son in the next, Catterall dropping him with an overhand left in close then hurting him again soon after. Taylor stepped on the accelerator in round nine, rolling his way in and letting shots go, trying to bully Catterall on the inside. The Englishman was still landing the cleaner shots however.

A tiring Catterall missed wildly in the 10th and lost a point for persistent holding. The contest was messy at times but responsibility for this looked about equal. Overall, whatever the reasons for Taylor’s lacklustre display, Catterall was the faster, sharper and smarter operator. He stayed on the move in round 11, there was no doubting his conditioning, Jack’s workrate had dipped but the ring generalship and smartly picked shots were sufficient to resist Taylor’s charge. The Scot lost a point of his own when he gave his opponent a frustrated dig to the body after the bell. He surely needed a KO. Catterall sensed that too and was ready for the assault. He countered, moved and held when appropriate to seal what seemed sure to be a thoroughly deserved victory.