Trainer Warns of Controversy Risks in Taylor-Catterall Rematch
Trainer Joe McNally has cautioned the officials overseeing the highly anticipated rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall this Saturday in Leeds to be wary of the risk of overcompensating for the controversy that followed their first bout.
The long-standing rivals will face off again in a non-title contest at the First Direct Arena, which is considered more neutral territory than their previous showdown over two years ago. That initial fight at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow resulted in one of the most controversial scorecards in modern boxing history, with Taylor – the then-reigning undisputed super-lightweight champion – being awarded a victory despite being widely perceived to have been outboxed by the underdog Catterall.
McNally, who has become Taylor’s new trainer since that first meeting, acknowledges the fear of the officials feeling pressure to be “perceived to be fair” to Catterall in the rematch. However, the Liverpool-based coach is hopeful that the British Boxing Board of Control will provide a capable panel of judges and a referee to handle the high-profile occasion.
“I just hope there isn’t any other controversy,” McNally stated. “If Jack wins, he wins fairly. If Josh wins, he wins fairly… I hope Josh gets to showcase his skill asset, and puts in a vintage performance. Likewise Jack – I hope he gets to show his skill set too, so the fight has got a good ebb and flow to it.”
McNally acknowledged that the referee, Kevin Parker, may not have the extensive experience of handling championship-level fights, but he expressed confidence in the British Boxing Board’s decision. The trainer hopes the officials will “eliminate the first fight” from their minds and simply focus on judging the rematch objectively.
Saturday’s bout holds significant importance for both fighters, with DAZN and Matchroom having paid Taylor a substantial sum to take the fight, as they were in need of a major British bout to headline their calendar. McNally stated his preference for an experienced referee to handle the occasion, but he ultimately trusts the British Boxing Board’s judgment in their appointments.
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