The decision to hand Taylor the win has been branded a “disgrace” and “embarrassment” by boxing’s biggest names
Josh Taylor’s controversial win over Jack Catterall will be investigated by boxing authorities, it has been confirmed.
Taylor was the hot favourite to retain his undisputed super-lightweight titles but appeared to be outclassed by Catterall in every department. The Scot was even dropped in the eighth round but miraculously escaped with all belts intact as judges handed him a controversial points victory.
The decision came as a big surprise to boxing fans, pundits and even promoters. Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom, who promoted the event alongside Sky Sports, said he felt “embarrassed” and “angry” by the result.
Speaking to Sky Sports in the aftermath of the fight, he said: “I was worried that they might call it a draw and stop Jack having this historic night but the way this has gone I’m shocked right now. I’m shell-shocked.
“You know what, there has to be an inquest. I’ve seen this on other promoters’ shows and I’ve sort of laid the blame at them or not understood what’s gone on. But this was actually embarrassing. If there’s not an inquest it’s going to harm the sport. We’ll do everything we can because I’m not just embarrassed, I’m really angry.”
Some of the biggest names in boxing, such as Carl Frampton, Dillian Whyte and Carl Froch voiced their displeasure online – and their thoughts were echoed by the likes of Michael Owen and Peter Crouch.
I love Josh. I love Jack. But the wrong man got his hand raised #TaylorCatterall
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) February 26, 2022
Disgusting
— Dillian Whyte (@DillianWhyte) February 26, 2022
Surely an upset!
— Carl Froch MBE (@Carl_Froch) February 26, 2022
The British Boxing Board of Control [BBBOC] have now said they will be launching a full investigation into the outcome of Taylor vs Catterall.
A brief statement released by Robert W. Smith, the board’s General Secretary, stated: “The British Boxing Board of Control will be investigating the scoring of this contest and will advise accordingly.”
Statement from the BBBofC on Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall… pic.twitter.com/Pm4InxZueK
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 28, 2022
The scorecards make for strange reading, with two of the judges handing Taylor a clear victory on points.
Jack Catterall has understandably cut a frustrated figure on social media since the event, calling for Taylor to hand the belts over while reposting messages of support from others in the sport.
