Taylor Gets Away with Split Decision Over Catterall in Glasgow; Retains Undisputed Belts

In a hard-fought 12-rounder, Scottish Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KO's) scored a close split decision win over ultra tough Englishman Jack Catterall (26-1, 13 KO's) to retain his undisputed Super Lightweight Belts today in Glasgow, Scotland, live on SKY Sports.

Official scorecards were 113-112, 114-111, for Taylor; and 113-112 for Catterall

During the rough, intense encounter, Taylor got cut under the left eye and deducted a point in the 11th stanza for punching after the bell, while Catterall was deducted a point for holding in the 10th chapter.

However, for some fans, Jack Catteral - who dropped Taylor down to the canvas in the 8ht round - should have deserved the win.

But that did not happen. Instead, he got the very first setback of his 9-year pro boxing career.

"It was not my best performance, but I think I won,” said the bruised Josh Taylor during the SKY Sports post-fight interview.

“t is possible that this was my last fight at 140. I will have to sit down and talk to my team about it."

Taylor has been having trouble making 140, seriously considering climbing up welters to challenge the top dogs there.

“After what I saw of Josh Taylor tonight, I think Taylor would have no chance against Terence Crawford,” thinks former welterweight champ Timothy Bradley.

The author Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com