Jack Catterall’s Redemption: Looking at What’s Next for ‘El Gato’ After Defeating Josh Taylor

On Saturday, May 25, Jack Catterall (29-1, 13 KOs) got his long-awaited revenge as he defeated Josh Taylor (19-2, 13. KOs) in a dramatic clash at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. The card was streamed live on DAZN, with “El Gato” getting his redemption by unanimous decision – with the judge’s scorecards reading 117-111×2 and 116-113. Following the rematch win, attention now turns to what fight could come next for the Chorley native.

Jack Catterall Next Fight: What Could be Next for ‘El Gato’

Winner of Liam Paro vs. Subriel Matias

After the win over Taylor, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn spoke on what could be next for the Chorley fighter: “The third fight is a big fight, but he deserves to be world champion. That’s got to be the focus. We’re deep at 140; Subriel Matias fights Liam Paro coming up; we’ve got Devin Haney against Sandor Martin. I’d love to see this guy challenge and hopefully win a world championship.”

Subriel Matias will be the favourite against Australian Liam Paro as the Puerto Rican looks to successfully defend the IBF super lightweight title he won against Jeremias Nicolas Ponce. Matias possesses a lot of power, as proven in his dominating wins against Ponce and Shohjahon Ergashev. His unconventional style means his power punches are not easy to read – but very effective. Paro will not be coming to make up the numbers and hoping his southpaw style can upset the big-punching Puerto Rican.

Teofimo Lopez

When speaking after the fight, Catterall was clear about what he wanted next: “To win the world title has always been the dream for me. We didn’t get the undisputed world titles (against Taylor) and that’s fine. That chapter’s been written now.”

He continued: “I want that world title fight now. (Lopez) beat Taylor before I did, now I’ve had the win over him (Taylor) and I want to prove I’m better than him (Lopez).”

Catterall added: “I believe I’ve got the style to beat Lopez. That’s the fight I want.”

Lopez is set to return to the ring against Steve Claggett on June 29. Since the disappointing split decision defeat to George Kambosos Jr, he has won four fights in succession, including the dominating unanimous decision win over Josh Taylor. The Brooklyn-born fighter has plenty of zip in his punches and is very effective on the front foot, where he looks to outwork his opponents. 

Boxing Ability

Whether it’s Lopez next or the winner of Matias-Paro, Catterall is a problem for them all. He uses his jab brilliantly, enabling him to dictate the pace and distance during his fights. He puts his combinations together impressively – and will need all these attributes to win a world title.