Josh Taylor to defend WBO super-lightweight title against Teofimo Lopez after injury setback derail

Josh Taylor, the WBO super-lightweight champion, is set to defend his title against American boxer Teofimo Lopez after the WBO ordered a mandatory defence. This comes after Taylor suffered a torn plantar fascia tendon while preparing for a rematch with rival Jack Catterall. Although Taylor vacated three of his belts in an attempt to ensure the rematch with Catterall, he was forced to withdraw due to the injury.

Despite rumours that Taylor was avoiding the rematch, he denied these claims and said he was determined to fight Catterall. He stated that the injury was a setback and he had to “go with the punches”. The WBO’s intervention has changed his plans, and he is now focused on defending his remaining title against Lopez.

Lopez is a unified lightweight champion who moved up to 140lbs after losing the WBO, IBF and WBA belts to George Kambosos. He has won twice in his new division, stopping Pedro Campa and then edging past Sandor Martin on a split decision. The fight between Taylor and Lopez is expected to be a tough challenge for both fighters.

Taylor expressed disappointment that the Catterall rematch couldn’t take place and revealed that the injury caused “horrendous pain”. He stated that he was gutted as he had given up a lot and sacrificed a lot to make the fight happen. Despite this setback, he remains determined to continue his career and defend his remaining title against Lopez.

Taylor also dismissed claims that he was avoiding a rematch with Catterall, and called him and his team “moaning cry-babies, sore losers”. He acknowledged that the rivalry between them remains fierce, but stated that he is focused on the Lopez fight at the moment. He did, however, leave the door open for a future rematch with Catterall, saying that it could happen “further on down the line”.

Overall, Josh Taylor remains determined to defend his title against Teofimo Lopez and continue his successful career in boxing. While the Catterall rematch may not be happening anytime soon, Taylor remains focused on the challenges ahead and is confident in his ability to succeed in the ring.