WHAT A NIGHT
23:49:06
Tonight’s blog comes to an end, highlighting a remarkable night that showcases the greatness of this sport. The fight was truly exceptional, leaving us in awe. We salute both men for their incredible performance. Can we hope for another thrilling rematch in the future?
HERE COMES BOB ARUM!
23:46:29
Bob Arum, the American promoter of Josh Taylor, storms into the ring, his anger palpable as he takes hold of the microphone.
He exclaims, “Under no circumstances will I ever permit an American fighter to compete here if the British Board is responsible for scoring the fight. The scoring in the previous matches was absurd and disgraceful.”
CATTERALL SPEAKS
23:45:01
Catterall expresses, “Tonight carries a bittersweet feeling. Although I couldn’t secure any world titles, I emerged victorious in the fight, bringing closure to my chapter with Josh Taylor.”
In my opinion, I emerged victorious in the battle as I decided to take more daring actions this time. It is undeniable that Josh possesses exceptional skills and is considered an elite operator.
“In retrospect, the bout unfolded in two distinct halves, and I firmly believe that during the second half, particularly in the rounds I triumphed, my victory was unequivocal.”
“Josh deserves respect as we have completed 24 rounds together.”
JACK CATTERALL WINS VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
23:41:49
Jack Catterall receives unanimous approval from the judges, as all three of them score in his favor. Kieran McCann and Mark Bates have a significant margin with a score of 117-111, while Lee Every’s score is slightly closer at 116-113. While Catterall celebrates his victory, Taylor shakes his head with a wry smile, perhaps anticipating the need for a third fight between them.
WE GO TO THE SCORECARDS
23:38:22
As the 12th round concludes, both men triumphantly lift their arms in celebration. What an incredible fight it has been! Now, we anxiously await the judges’ decision, well aware that the outcome is uncertain, especially considering the unpredictable nature of the first round.
BIG 11TH FOR CATTERALL
23:34:11
During the last 80 seconds of the 11th round, Catterall successfully lands a powerful left hand on Taylor not just once, but twice. This unexpected turn of events most likely led Taylor to lose the round, despite his previous performance. As the 12th round approaches, both fighters have an equal chance of winning.
TWO TO GO
23:30:34
The initial bout was marked by the disputed scorecards, and it is the type of fight that could potentially yield a few peculiar scores. Joe McNally advises his boxer Taylor, “Do not rely on the judges’ decision. Ensure a definite victory.”
Here comes the 11th.
EBB AND FLOW
23:27:05
In the ninth round, both men experience moments of success, but it is Taylor who seems to deliver the more impactful and visually striking punches.
Jamie Moore encourages his boxer Jack Catterall, acknowledging the current difficulty but urging him to persist and focus on improving his timing and sharpness. As they approach the 10th round, Catterall may require an extra burst of energy.
CATT FADING?
23:22:14
Taylor continues to excel, while Catterall appears to be losing steam after a promising beginning. Surprisingly, it is now Taylor who displays a more optimistic demeanor, delivering an exceptional catch-and-counter to Catterall’s chin. With four rounds remaining, the outcome of this match remains uncertain for both contenders.
TAYLOR STORMS BACK
23:18:24
Taylor’s performance significantly improved from the seventh round onward, as he rebounded from a tough sixth round by establishing a much more effective rhythm and successfully landing his left cross. Satisfied with his progress, he confidently raises his hand while returning to his corner.
HALFWAY HOME
23:14:25
Taking everything into account, Taylor’s initial half of the fight has been extremely challenging, as he is steadily accumulating marks with each passing round. Catterall is effectively controlling the fight with his jab and is also finding great success with his left hand. However, it is important to note that Taylor is far from being defeated at this point.
CATT PURRING
23:10:18
In the early stages of the fifth round, Catterall starts off with a successful triple jab, swiftly followed by a powerful one-two combination. Although Taylor manages to regain some control during the round, Catterall dominates once more in the final 20 seconds, putting significant pressure on the Scotsman.
BIG FINISH FOR CATT
23:06:19
As the fourth round was winding down and the fight appeared to be calming, Catterall abruptly unleashes a relentless assault, aiming to sway the judges in his favor. His accuracy with the left hand seems unstoppable at this moment.
TAYLOR IN BUSINESS
23:01:17
After delivering a powerful left hand, Taylor quickly launches into a series of punches to capitalize on his advantage. However, Catterall skillfully counters Taylor’s aggressive move as he approaches. Despite this setback, Taylor shows signs of gaining momentum in the fight, evident by the visible marks under his opponent’s left eye. Impressed with Taylor’s performance, his trainer Joe McNally expresses his satisfaction, stating, “This is the exact Josh Taylor I’ve been hoping for,” from their corner.
HEAD CLASH!
22:56:33
In the middle of the second round, both fighters reel back, clutching their heads, causing a moment of anxiety in the arena. However, to everyone’s relief, it becomes evident that neither man has suffered any cuts. Despite Taylor’s struggle to anticipate Catterall’s jab, he remains determined to gain an advantage early on in the fight. This level of performance is truly exceptional.
CATT FELINE FINE
22:53:11
Jack Catterall makes a strong entrance, exuding confidence as if he has been eagerly anticipating this moment for over two years. Without hesitation, he swiftly throws a stiff jab followed by a precise one-two combination. Additionally, he skillfully connects with his backhand on his fellow southpaw opponent twice more during the round. Catterall’s performance in the opening round is exceptional, showcasing his abilities effectively.
TAYLOR BOOED
22:49:04
The arena is filled with a noisy tumult as the fighters are introduced, and Taylor is met with resounding boos from the clearly pro-Catterall audience. This promises to be an exhilarating spectacle.
FINALLY THEY WALK
22:40:18
After Chev Clarke successfully halted Ellis Zorro’s progress, it has been almost thirty minutes when the main event fighters begin their walk towards the ring. Jack Catterall makes his entrance accompanied by the timeless melody of Ben E King’s Stand By Me. Pure levels of anticipation fill the air.
UNDERCARD DONE
22:22:44
With the undercard now finished, 11,000 fans are filling the arena, amplifying the volume. This highly anticipated rematch has been eagerly awaited for two years and three months… and the long wait is almost over. There’s no greater excitement than this.
CLARKE SPEAKS
22:18:04
Clarke expresses his exhilaration after securing the British championship, stating, “I am absolutely thrilled. This victory is dedicated to all the believers out there, thank you.”
“He emerged and battled exactly as we anticipated. Following a loss like the one against Opetaia, my intention was to demonstrate that I am not easily defeated, but rather the superior competitor on that particular evening.”
“I have what it takes, cruiserweights, so come and try to take it from me, because I am going to win this belt fair and square.”
ZORRO DOWN AND OUT!!!
22:13:01
Clarke burst into the eighth round’s closing moments, delivering a powerful right hand that sent Zorro reeling against the ropes. The bell rang as Zorro fell to the canvas, leaving referee Mark Bates with the authority to initiate a count. Unfortunately, Zorro was severely incapacitated and unable to continue the fight. With just nine professional fights under his belt, Chev Clarke emerged as the new British cruiserweight champion.
HEADS GONE
22:04:31
The boxing match becomes disorganized at times, leading Referee Mark Bates to intervene and caution both fighters for using their heads. Clarke finishes the round by landing a powerful left hook, but Zorro appears unfazed. The outcome of the fight remains uncertain as the second half is yet to unfold.
FIVE DOWN
22:00:43
“In Clarke’s corner,” Sam Mullins reports, “the guy is plummeting rapidly.” However, during the fifth round, it was Zorro who delivered the two most impactful blows, altering the trajectory with a powerful right-handed punch and skillfully hooking it around his adversary’s defense. As we transition into the sixth round, the action continues.
UNEVENTFUL
21:56:49
Contrary to expectations, this firefight did not unfold as anticipated, as both men encountered difficulties in finding their groove over the course of four rounds. Based on this display, it is evident that the vacant British title is up for grabs for either contender.
CLARKE PUSHING
21:49:30
Clarke continues to be the driving force in the second round, but it was Zorro who delivered the most impressive shot. With perfect timing, Zorro caught his opponent off guard and delivered an exceptional uppercut to the chin. The intensity of the match is increasing.
ONE DOWN
21:44:27
Clarke wastes no time in taking the offensive and applying early pressure on Zorro. This is Zorro’s first boxing match since he suffered a brutal knockout from Jai Opetaia on December 23, so the pressure is on for him to perform. After one round, Clarke maintains complete control of the bout.
INTO THE CO-MAIN WE GO
21:34:22
Chev Clarke, the bookies’ favorite, will face Ellis Zorro for the vacant British cruiserweight title, previously held by Isaac Chamberlain. As the boxers make their way to the ring, anticipation for an exciting match builds.
IT’S ALL OVER!
21:20:44
The ninth round picks up where the eighth left off, with Howard Foster quickly stepping in to stop the relentless assault on Ritson by Donovan. Ritson is trapped against the ropes, unable to mount a counterattack, while Donovan continues to unleash powerful punches. This victory marks an impressive achievement for the talented Ennis boxer. The referee calls an end to the fight at the official time of 32 seconds into the ninth round.
PADDY THE BADDY
21:18:06
Donovan, who had been on the defensive for seven rounds, completely transforms in the eighth round and aggressively attacks Ritson, causing him to struggle in the final moments of the round. Donovan relentlessly unleashes a barrage of punches to both Ritson’s head and body. Ritson concludes the round by crouching in his corner, with Donovan persistently pressuring him. It was an extremely challenging round for Ritson, who used to compete in the lightweight division.
PADDY OFF THE ROPES
21:15:41
As the seventh round nears its conclusion, Donovan manages to maneuver Ritson and take control of the center of the ring, successfully pushing the older opponent back. Encouraged by this achievement, Donovan enters the eighth round with a similar approach, intensifying his efforts to gain an advantage over the Irishman.
DONOVAN DOWN, OR NOT
21:11:09
One minute into the sixth round, there was a brief moment of excitement when Donovan appeared to score a knockdown. However, referee Howard Foster quickly realized it was just a result of a tangle of legs and did not count it as a knockdown. Despite this, Ritson maintains his aggressive approach, but Donovan remains composed and successfully lands punches while evading Ritson’s advances.
FIVE DOWN, FIVE TO GO
21:06:57
Despite Ritson experiencing some moments of success, Donovan seems to be in control, despite the fact that the Irish southpaw often positions his back leg near the ropes, deliberately inviting pressure. Nevertheless, Donovan skillfully counters whatever Ritson throws at him and is currently leading at the halfway mark.
GOOD ROUND FOR RITSON
20:58:53
Ritson faced a tough challenge in the first two rounds, but the third round proved to be a turning point for him. He found his rhythm and gained confidence after connecting with a well-executed straight right hand. Not stopping there, Ritson followed up with a successful right hook as well. This breakthrough moment was much needed for him, and it begs the question: will he be able to capitalize on this momentum and continue to excel?
MORE OF THE SAME
20:55:03
Ritson persistently advances towards Donovan, but struggles to evade his precise strikes. Donovan effortlessly lands repeated left body shots and impresses Lee in the corner with a flawless one-two combination. It is evident that Ritson needs to step up his performance and find an additional level of intensity.
GOOD OPENER FOR DONOVAN
20:50:31
As Ritson dominates the center of the ring, it is Donovan who outperforms in the initial round. He strategically aims to provoke Ritson into attacking first, allowing him to counter with precise backhand punches from his southpaw position. In the corner, Andy Lee advises Donovan, “He’s exposing his body to you.” Moving on to the second round.
THREE LEFT
20:34:04
Cully’s victory has solidified his position, leaving only three remaining thrilling fights on the schedule. The first one features welterweight contender Paddy Donovan, unbeaten under Andy Lee’s guidance, aiming to secure his fifth consecutive stoppage win. Standing in his way is Lewis Ritson, the former British lightweight champion, determined to put an end to Donovan’s impressive winning streak.
CULLY WINS VIA UD
20:26:49
As expected, all three judges score in favour of Gary Cully.
Scores of 98-92, 96-94, 96-94 move the Diva to 18-1 (10). The rebuild continues.
WE GO TO THE SCORECARDS
20:24:41
In the last 45 seconds of the 10th round, Patera makes an effort to drain the tank, but nothing significant happens. Cully successfully lands a sharp left hand, but he also takes a lead hook. All in all, the 28-year-old southpaw delivers a composed performance, which will likely be reflected in the scores.
CULLY-FIED
20:20:30
Patera’s frustration becomes evident as Cully regains dominance in the distance, landing precise left-handed punches repeatedly. Despite showing initial signs of success, Patera now finds himself constantly chasing shadows in the ninth round. It is increasingly apparent that Cully is only one round away from securing a convincingly victorious outcome.
TWO LEFT
20:16:43
Cully’s eighth round performance is mostly impressive, except for the three solid right hands landed by Patera. Nevertheless, Patera, the two-time European champion from Belgium, is displaying visible effects from Cully’s well-timed uppercut, indicating that Cully is gaining an advantage.
PHONEBOX SCRAP
20:11:57
“Cully is warned in the corner that the fight is becoming uncomfortably close, as Patera persistently narrows the gap and engages on his own terms. Throughout the seventh round, they engage in a fierce exchange of hooks to the head and body. Patera concludes the round with a well-executed left hook counter. He is still very much in the fight.”
PATERA ON THE CHARGE
20:07:46
As we reach the latter part of the battle, the Belgian guest is gradually intensifying their efforts. They now shift their focus from targeting the head to focusing on the body, delivering a forceful left hook to the ribs followed by powerful right-handed blows. While Cully spends most of the sixth round in a defensive retreat, they continue to display skillful boxing techniques while moving backward. The upcoming final four rounds promise to be captivating.
HALFWAY THROUGH
20:04:44
Patera’s focus is undoubtedly on striking Cully’s body with the lead hook, showing some noteworthy progress. Although it doesn’t seem to significantly hinder the Irishman’s performance, he will likely maintain a decent level of confidence in being in the lead at the halfway mark.
CULLY TAKING CONTROL
19:56:28
In round three, Cully begins to utilize his height and reach advantage effectively, maintaining distance from Patera with a well-executed jab. He then capitalizes on this advantage by delivering more powerful punches. On the other hand, Patera is restricted to occasional punches aimed at the head and body, but he still poses a danger.
TWO DOWN
19:53:33
In round two, Southpaw Cully decides to take a chance and rely on his straight left hand. He manages to land a few punches successfully. Unfortunately, Patera remains unfazed by these punches and retaliates with a powerful backhand of his own. As the round progresses, we find ourselves heading into the third round.
WARMING UP NICELY
19:49:02
After completing the first round, both men have begun cautiously. Patera mostly maintains control of the ring’s center while Cully chooses to circle around him. Towards the end of the round, the Irishman manages to land a left hook, causing a slight reddening around his right eye.
CULLY TIME
19:43:27
And now, we have Gary Cully stepping into the ring for only the second time since his surprising loss to Jose Felix a year ago. In his comeback fight last November, he emerged victorious against Reece Mould. A triumph over the consistently determined Francesco Patera would greatly enhance his prospects of making his way up the ranks in the lightweight division.
WHAT’S HAPPENED ALREADY?
19:37:34
Two fights took place on the non-TV portion of the card, and both home fighters emerged without any injuries. In the first match, Leli Buttigieg defeated Anas Isarti by earning more points over six rounds. Following that, George Liddard defeated Graham McCormack in the eighth and final round of their contest.
GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME
19:29:30
Welcome along to tonight’s live blog from the show at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, where Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall finally clash in their rematch. But before that, we’ve got a juicy undercard. The first fight on the televised portion of the undercard has just finished, with Giorgio Visioli stopping Sergio Odabai after 1:47 of round four. It was scheduled for six.
Coming up next is a highly anticipated lightweight showdown between Gary Cully and Francesco Patera, promising an intense action-packed battle lasting 10 rounds.
After a highly controversial initial bout in 2022, fans eagerly anticipate the long-awaited rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall.
The undercard action kicks off on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel at 5.30pm UK time, 12.30pm Eastern Time, and 10.30am Pacific Time.
Taylor vs Catterall Weights and Running Order
6 x 3 mins International Super-Welterweight contest
LELI BUTTIGIEG 157.6 lbs v ANA ISARTI 156.8 lbs
8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
GEORGE LIDDARD 162.3 lbs v GRAHAM MCCORMACK 162.3 lbs
6 x 3 mins International Lightweight contest
GIORGIO VISIOLI 134.1 lbs v SERGIO ODABAI 136.5 lbs
10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Lightweight Title
GARY CULLY 134.1 lbs v FRANCESCO PATERA 134.1 lbs
10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Welterweight Title
PADDY DONOVAN 145.4 lbs v LEWIS RITSON 146.8 lbs
12 x 3 mins vacant British Cruiserweight Title
CHEAVON CLARKE 199.3 lbs v ELLIS ZORRO 198.6 lbs
12 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
JOSH TAYLOR 139.6 lbs v JACK CATTERALL 139.8 lbs
