LEEDS, England — Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall faced off for the last time before their highly anticipated rematch at an emotionally charged weigh-in on Friday.
Taylor topped the scales at 139.6 pounds, while Catterall came in at 139.8 pounds for the junior welterweight clash.
After a calm press conference on Thursday, the tensions ramped up again as a raucous public poured in to show their support, with both fighters cheered and heckled in equal measure as they took to the stage.
Words were exchanged between the two in another lengthy face off before they were pulled apart.
“That’s all the talking done now. Fully focused on Saturday night, tune in it’s going to be one hell of a fight,” Catterall said.
“Its been a long camp, I’ve done everything possible asked of me, everything’s ready now to turn up tomorrow, re-write it.”
Taylor was equally as focused and ready to get in the ring.
“It’s just another fight week, just another fight tomorrow night, all the training is done, can’t wait for tomorrow now,” Taylor said.
“I will look good tomorrow and I’ll look good winning; I’ll look good doing the job.”
Taylor, the former undisputed world champion at 140 pounds, has talked of a move up in weight class, and there has been questions raised about the rematch being at junior welterweight.
There is plenty at stake for both fighters after the controversial first fight in 2022.
A win will lead to major fights in a division stacked with talent, boasting the likes of Subriel Matías, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez.
A loss however would spell disaster for either man.
On the undercard, Paddy Donovan takes on Lewis Ritson at welterweight, while Gary Cully will face Francesco Patera at lightweight. Cruiserweights Cheavon Clarke and Ellis Zorro meet before the main event.
Source: www.espn.com