Josh Taylor has his sights set on a trilogy with Jack Catterall and believes he can become a world champion again.
The Prestonpans boxer – who reigned as undisputed light-welterweight champion of the world between 2021 and 2022 – is currently on a two-fight losing streak, following up his defeat to American star Teofimo Lopez last year with a loss to rival Catterall in their highly anticipated rematch back in April.
Taylor had previously claimed a controversial points decision victory in his first meeting with the Englishman two and a half years ago at the Hydro in Glasgow, but Catterall was able to get his revenge by outpointing the 2014 Commonwealth gold medallist in Manchester. However, Taylor still firmly believes his hand should have been raised, and with the grudge match now level at 1-1, reckons that a third showdown makes sense.
Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, he said: “I still think a third fight would be really interesting. I beat him the first time and was heavily criticised for it. And then with the second, I don’t care what anyone says, I felt I won that fight too. So, if it was to happen a third time, I’d put on a devastating performance and knock the guy out. I think it will always be there as an option.”
The 33-year-old has come to the end of his contract with US promotional heavyweights Top Rank and is now hoping to land a deal with one of the UK’s leading promoters who can help him reach the pinnacle of the sport once again. “It’s coming to an end (with Top Rank( I think,” he added. “It’s looking like I’m going to go elsewhere.
“But Top Rank have been absolutely amazing. They have looked after me really well, paid me well and there’s been no hassle, or hidden surprises. They have been completely transparent so they’ve been an absolute pleasure to work with and helped make all my dreams come true.
“I’m going to suss out the market in the UK and just explore my options. I think it’s the right fit. I’ve been to the top but I’ve never really had a UK promoter back me and push my profile. So, at this stage of my career, I’d like to have that.
“I just need to get back to winning ways. I’m coming off back-to-back defeats so I want to get back chasing the big fights again. I still believe I’ll become world champion once more.”
The former undisputed champion has struggled to make weight in the 140 pound division and concedes now might finally be the time to move to the stacked welterweight division. He stated: “We have spoken about 147 but I do believe I’m a career 140.
“I think 147 would be much easier to make, but every time I’ve had to make 140 it’s been a piece of cake, apart from the first fight with Jack (February 2022). I didn’t take him seriously, I left the weight cut right until the last minute and I looked like absolute death on the scales and it showed in the performance.
“But I can stay 140 quite easily and also go to 147. We’ll just need to see what options come my way. Hopefully I’ll have a fight in January or February and then May before a final one towards the end of next year.”
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.