So, I don't see much speculation about this fight on this page, and I wondered why? Does everyone feel it's just not a very interesting match up? Has the Fury v Usyk hype still not died down enough? Regardless, I think this is potentially a good little dust up and I'd be interested to see what everyone thought. Personally, I'm not sure. I think Taylor needs to improve, obviously, and it's possible he will. On the other hand, some people think he's in irrevocable decline and simply isn't the fighter he was a few years back. Catterall, by contrast, is being pegged by a lot of people as being at his limit already and not an elite 140 lbs operator. Who are we picking? I'm really not sure myself, but I think if I had to bet my house on it and say Taylor on points...but I'm far from emphatic about that.
My gut feel after the first one is that regardless of anything else, their styles will lead to a stinker like last time. Personally, i've gave Taylor the benefit of the doubt in the first fight, he had well documented issues, struggled with the weight cut, and said he was going to move up. But then he looked drained again fighting Lopez - who also boxed really well that night. Taylor said he made weight fine, but his legs were gone by the 8th - classic sign of needing to move up. But he's STILL @140 after both of those alarm bells? I've followed him and cheered for him since commonwealth games, but feel after undisputed and parting company with Shane McGuigan he lost something and has regressed badly - whether that's the weight or personal/drink issues I don't know, but he's not the Taylor that beat Postol/Baranyck/Ramirez & Prograis. I'd love to think he can rediscover than form, and also that the fight will be a good one, but I'm not convinced on either count. Hope Taylor can prove me wrong, but I'm going with a decision win for El Gato
Agreed, he definitely didn't look great. That's the question isn't it? Is he now in decline and simply putting on a front?
Can't seem to care about this fight for whatever reason. Taylor looked uninterested vs. Lopez and possibly weight drained. Catterall has a spoiler style and hasn't made noise other than the close Taylor fight. I think they should both move on and then possibly rematch down the road. A win for either doesn't really impress me. Insane that both guys aren't taking aim at a weakened 147 division.
Nothing has changed from the first fight. Taylor's kryptonite are counter punchers who prevent him from working up close, we saw it in the first Catterall fight and then again against Lopez. Doesn't matter how easily he makes weight or how dedicated and focused he is unless he can actually learn to be effective from range or counter Catterall's counters he's going to end up losing a decision unless of course the judges have another shockingly bad night and gift it to Taylor again.
As part Scot I will throw my support behind Taylor. That being said, he's getting done by Catterall again. Taylor got too high on himself and the bottle after winning the titles, got married etc, ain't got the fire anymore. His technique always required him to have a great focus but I feel both are gone now. Probably a cash out fight here
Honestly think Taylor is done at elite level, been totally outclassed the last 2 fights. Picking Catterall to win by UD.
Dunno about a cracking fight but intrigued to see who comes out on top and how both (in particular) Josh, approaches this fight.