This weekend, Taylor will be backed by a partisan crowd at the Hydro Arena, while Catterall will try to extend his unbeaten run inside the lion’s den.
The odds suggest Taylor will enjoy a routine night at the office at 1/22, while Catterall can be backed to pull off the upset at 29/4.
Taylor’s CV Should Have Catterall Panicking
Taylor’s rise to the top is unique, to say the least, with the 31-year-old already at the top of the super-lightweight division after just 18 fights.
THE TARTAN TORNADO
The undisputed champ here @JoshTaylorBoxer
Feb 26th | @boxxer | @trboxing pic.twitter.com/XTqZnnFDY4
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) February 21, 2022
The Scot turned pro in 2015, and he has wasted no time in climbing through the ranks, and he has stopped 13 of his opponents before the final bell.
Taylor’s rise to prominence came thanks to the World Boxing Super Series, where he lifted the Muhammad Ali Trophy following a successful run to the final.
He beat Ryan Martin and Ivan Baranchyk to reach the final, before battling past Regis Prograis in the final.
The fan favourite then beat Apinun Khongsong before unifying the division with a devastating performance against Jose Ramirez.
Now, after claiming the WBC and WBO belts from the American, Taylor has to stay motivated as he tries to handle domestic rival, Catterall.
Catterall was named his WBO mandatory challenger in 2021, but the original bout was delayed after Taylor suffered an ankle injury.
He will now get the chance to prove his worth as the top dog in the division, and after beating so many world-class opponents, Taylor should have no issue toppling Catterall.
While the Chorley fighter is unbeaten himself, he has not fought at the same level as Taylor, and the Scot looks good value to win by stoppage at 5/8.
How Long Can Catterall Hang on?
Catterall is battle-hardened after coming through 26 fights so far, with 13 victories coming by knockout.
The Lancastrian has enjoyed a solid start to his career, but to overcome Taylor looks to be a step too far.
While we expect the southpaw to lose this weekend, he could do himself justice by lasting until the latter stages of the fight.
Taylor to win by stoppage in rounds 7-12 appeals at 13/10, and if Catterall can put on a gutsy display, it may put him in the title picture once Taylor moves up in weight, which appears to be the next step.
Taylor’s last seven opponents have a combined record of 162-1, and it looks like Catterall will be put in his place in Glasgow this Saturday.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
