Josh Taylor's First 147 Opponent

Agreed. Wasn't his best night but he's earned the benefit of the doubt. Looking forward to seeing him at 147.

 

I'd can Top Rank making the Brook fight and (in Kevin Keegan style) "wold love it!" If Brook caused an upset and KOed him.

 

It wasn't just the bad performance I was referring to, it was everything that went on before the fight for months. I was saying to my mates months ago that Taylor was looking sloppy in social media posts, out of shape, admitting to not looking after himself etc.

 

I actually wonder if the "win" has hindered Taylor, rather than just keeping his TV friendly glossy record. If he'd (rightly in my opinion),lost the decision, he could have congratulated Catterall, put it down to one too many at 140, put it behind him and moved on. I doubt it would have mattered that much. Now it's such a notorious event, it's overshadowed his otherwise stellar career, up to that point.

 

It would've reduced the value of whatever big fight Top Rank have him pegged for Stateside. They wanted to bill him as an undefeated 4 belt champion at 140 and they got what they wanted.

I agree though, in terms of credibility, both for the sport and Taylor himself, it would've been far better that there was an honest decision given and some of the pressure taken off Taylor as he moved up in weight.

 

I get what you're saying, but even the passing fan will know about the decision in his last fight, and I reckon, in this world of instant information, will question the legitimacy of his "0", it'll even be something to rile him up at the press conference "you didn't beat Jack Catterall how can you beat me" etc etc. He might even question his own ability in his own mind, especially if Catterall takes an L in the meantime.