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Josh Taylor has experienced the full spectrum of boxing's highs and lows over the past five years. The 33-year-old Scotsman reached the pinnacle of the sport from 2019 to 2021, defeating a string of top contenders like Ivan Baranchyk, Regis Prograis, Apinun Khongsong, and Jose Ramirez. These victories crowned him as the king of the 140-pound division and propelled him to international stardom.
However, the years that followed were less kind. In 2022, Taylor struggled in a controversial decision win against Jack Catterall, which damaged his reputation. The following year, he faced Teofimo Lopez and was decisively outclassed, losing his titles and facing a significant career setback.
Adding to his woes, a rematch with Catterall was postponed twice due to Taylor's injuries—first a foot injury and then an eye issue. These setbacks only fueled his frustration.
Now, Taylor has the opportunity to reclaim his former glory. He is set to face his English rival, Jack Catterall, for a second time on Saturday night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
“It’s just another fight week and on Saturday it’s just another fight,” Taylor stated at a Thursday news conference. “I am looking forward to putting all this to bed and moving on with my career and proving that the last time was just an off night."
Taylor is determined to bounce back and dismiss the notion that a single defeat defines a fighter's career. He also pointed out a significant difference in how losses are perceived in boxing compared to other combat sports.
“Look at the history of boxing. All the great fighters of the past have taken defeats and come back and won world titles again. Just because you take one defeat, it doesn’t mean you are a finished fighter."
Taylor remains confident in his abilities and his future in the sport.
“Just because you take a loss it doesn’t mean that you are a bad fighter. I still feel that I am at the top of the game and on Saturday, I take care of business and I am back in the picture and winning my titles back.”
As Taylor prepares for this pivotal rematch, he aims to prove that his past struggles were mere setbacks and that he still belongs among the elite in the boxing world. Saturday's bout is not just another fight; it's a crucial step in Taylor's journey to rebuild his legacy and reclaim his titles.