The rivalry between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall has been mired in controversy, to the point where promoter Bob Arum believes a definitive trilogy fight is worth making.
After unifying the WBO, WBC, WBA and IBF super lightweight titles, Taylor defended his unbeaten crown against Catterall in Glasgow in 2022. Taylor won a controversial split decision, ultimately setting up a rematch in May.
Catterall got revenge, defeating Taylor by two unanimous decisions, 116-113 and 117-111.
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Highlights from Josh Taylor's controversial split decision win over Jack Catterall
But the top-ranked Arum criticized the scoring of that second bout.
“Let me be clear, I was in Leeds for the game. I watched the game closely. There were three different scores for the game. 7-5 Catterall. [in rounds]Taylor 7-5, tied 6-6,” Arum said. Sky Sports.
“The mark sheets from the judges appointed by the UK committee were so substandard that they were unacceptable. I do not believe any wrongdoing took place.”
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Teofimo Lopez put in the best performance of his career, defeating Josh Taylor at Madison Square Garden to win the WBO World title.
He added: “I was really upset because Taylor is my fighter and we promote him, but not necessarily because I thought he clearly won the fight, I just thought the scorecards were so far apart it went against him. I was sitting next to Eddie Hearn, whose fighter was Catterall and he was scoring the fight, and it was very, very close.”
Sky Sports The British Boxing Board of Control has been contacted for comment.
Arum believes the best way to resolve the issues between Taylor and Catterall may be a third fight.
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Promoter Bob Arum believes his past experience promoting Muhammad Ali has helped prepare him to promote Tyson Fury's personality.
“Why not? They fought hard for 12 rounds and the crowd enjoyed the fight,” he explained.
“I think a third fight is necessary because the scorecards were really controversial, but we'll see what happens.”
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