Jack Catterall has warned that Josh Taylor can’t expect to just turn up and expect to win when the two meet on February 26th in their undisputed super-lightweight world title showdown at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
In the battle between England and Scotland, originally set for December 18th, Taylor will put his WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF straps on the line in a homecoming fight for the ‘Tartan Tornado’ but Catterall, the heavy betting underdog, is confident he can pull off an upset north of the border.
Speaking to the Betfred Boxing Show, Catterall, 26-0, said, “I don’t look at odds and whatnot, certainly all the lads from Chorley and England I guess will be, but I think a lot of people believe it’s just a case of Josh turning up and it’s a sealed deal but I’ve certainly got plans.
“I believe in my defensive skills, my timing, my speed, I think I can match him for power, I think as long as I prepare the best I ever have, I can go out there and cause an upset.
“I’ve been chasing the WBO world title now for what feels like a lifetime but, lo and behold, it’s come ten-fold. I get to fight Josh for the undisputed and to add that bit more excitement, it’s like England v Scotland, it’s for all four belts - so it’s a massive fight for me and Josh.
The 28-year-old also voiced his support for stablemate Chantelle Cameron. The reigning WBC super-lightweight from Northampton will be headlining the October 30th show at the O2 Arena following the collapse of Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight clash with Otto Wallin.
The undefeated 30-year-old, 14-0, will be taking on American IBF champion Mary McGee, 27-3, and Caterrall is tipping her for a bright future in the ring.
“Chantelle’s looking really good, I think time and time again she just keeps producing the goods. Come next weekend she’ll be unified and then hopefully next year she’ll be undisputed, so it’s been a pleasure to train alongside Chantelle. I’ve been fortunate enough to help her in sparring over the last couple weeks and help her prepare.
“She’s got a dig on her, she certainly doesn’t hold back - she’s looking really good and I’m excited for Chantelle to show how far she can really go.”