Josh Taylor knows what it feels like to walk around as a division’s top dog. In 2021, after years of putting in the work, Taylor grabbed the last two titles at 140-pounds by taking it to Jose Ramirez. With his undisputed reign in full force, Taylor began looking at the scales reluctantly. No longer was he interested in making the super lightweight limit, but he was also unsure if he should officially move up in weight.
Initially, a showdown against Jack Catterall almost resulted in defeat, but one close call wouldn’t be duplicated as Teofimo Lopez handed him the lone loss of his career earlier this year.
Immediately after, Taylor began flirting with the idea of moving up to the welterweight division. While he weighed the pros and cons, he grabbed a chair and watched carefully as his old division began heating up.
Devin Haney, the former undisputed lightweight titlist, brazenly moved up in weight. For his super lightweight debut, he took on now former champion, Regis Prograis.
Despite facing someone believed to be bigger and stronger, Haney had little to no trouble, dropping the 34-year-old before winning a lopsided decision on the judges’ scorecards.
Wholeheartedly, Taylor was impressed. Having gone life and death with Prograis nearly five years ago, the ease with which Haney got rid of his former rival was jaw-dropping. For now, Taylor is still weighing his options and likes the idea of giving his body a reprieve. He also, however, wants to get his hands on Haney.
Ultimately, the 32-year-old is hoping that Haney will pick up the phone and give him a call. In terms of where their proposed showdown would take place, Taylor believes they can meet somewhere in the middle.
“I’ll fight you champ!” Said Taylor on his social media account. “I’ll give you the fight of your life! Catchweight, on your way to 147.”