How does one follow up the complete unification of a division?

In the case of Jr. welterweight king Josh Taylor, the follow up to a unanimous decision win that included two hard knockdowns of Jose Ramirez is a Saturday homecoming in Glasgow (ESPN+, 2 PM EST). He will face WBO mandatory contender Jack Catterall of the UK in a regional showdown in front of what should be a packed, enthusiastic crowd.

As is often the case, Taylor seemed irritable at Friday’s weigh-in. It’s one of his charms.

Taylor’s not just good. Taylor has a mean streak. Can Catterall give him something to be really mad about and score what would be a sizable upset? If the challenger can’t, he’ll be the sixth undefeated scalp in a row on Taylor’s wall.           

Let’s get into it. 

Stats and Stakes

Josh Taylor

Age: 30

Titles: IBF Jr. Welterweight (2019-Present, 3 Defenses); Ring Magazine/WBA Super Lightweight (2019-Present, 2 Defenses); Lineal World/TBRB/WBC/WBO Jr. Welterweight (2021-Present, 1st Attempted Defense)
Previous Titles: None

Height: 5’10

Weight: 140 lbs.

Stance: Southpaw

Hails from: Haddington, Scotland

Record: 18-0, 13 KO

Record in Major Title Fights: 4-0, 1 KO

Last Five Opponents: 107-0 (1.00)

Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Viktor Postol UD12; Ivan Baranchyk UD12; Regis Prograis MD12; Jose Ramirez UD12

Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Miguel Vazquez KO9

Vs.

Jack Catterall 

Age: 28

Titles/Previous Titles: None 

Height: 5’7   

Weight: 139 lbs.

Stance: Southpaw

Hails from: Chorley, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Record: 26-0, 13 KO

Press Rankings: #10 (TBRB)

Record in Major Title Fights: 1st Title Opportunity

Last Five Opponents: 78-23-1 (.770)

Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: None

Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None

The Pick: While Catterall has had more fights as a pro, the experience advantage lies squarely with Taylor. He’s seen the best in the world in his class in a range of styles now. Catterall is shorter and less explosive than Taylor but he has some assets that could give him a chance. In this battle of lefties, Catterall is quick handed, has good balance, and comes with a pesky style. Catterall is patient and alert, waiting for chances to counter with the left and step around to reset. Taylor, an excellent body puncher, will be well served to attack downstairs and keep the pressure on. Taylor has seen quicker opponents and taken shots from heavier hands. The thinking here is Taylor solves and then goes through whatever riddles present themselves, likely with a stoppage in the second half of the fight.     

Additional Weekend Picks

Gary Antuanne Russell Dec. Viktor Postol

Chris Colbert Dec. Hector Garcia

Rold Picks 2022: 6-2

Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com