19 February 2024 , 14:22
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Jack Catterall grabbed bitter rival Josh Taylor by the throat as the pair had to be separated whilst facing off ahead of their rematch.
Taylor and Catterall faced off for the first time at a press conference in Edinburgh on Monday afternoon before they fight again on April 27 in Leeds. Taylor won a controversial split decision against Catterall in Glasgow two years ago and the Englishman has been pushing for a rematch ever since.
Caterall was waiting in the middle of the stage for his face-off with Taylor after their press conference and he was greeted with a hand on his chest from his rival. Security were keeping a close eye on the pair but Catterall then grabbed Taylor by the throat before they were kept apart from each other.
Who wins the rematch - Josh Taylor or Jack Catterall? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below
A foot injury on Taylor's side delayed the rematch from taking place last year and Catterall is relishing the chance to finally avenge his defeat. "It's been a long time coming, I'm excited now it feels real being here today. I got a warm welcome on the way but that's obviously changed now. I believe I won last time and we're two years on now," he said.
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"I don't believe that he wanted to fight me but he's here now and I'm going to smash his head in come April 27th. I've stayed in the gym and have picked up two victories since then whilst he went to New York and got smashed, I believe he is on the decline. I'm going to capitalise on that and put him to bed. Without a shadow of a doubt, I am coming in there to do damage."
Taylor has only fought once since his win over Catterall as he was beaten by Teofimo Lopez last June. "This one is going to be action packed, he says he is going to knock me out but he's never knocked anyone out in his life. We'll see what happens but I can't wait for this fight, it's going to be class," Taylor said.
"They've billed it 'Hate runs strong' but I don't hate anyone, I just don't like this guy and I can't wait to smash his brains in. I picked up a bad injury and it took a long time to get over it. I fought a mandatory whilst he fought a nobody and fought a 40-year-old and still couldn't put him away."