JOSH TAYLOR has taken aim at the “well-respected people” within boxing who claimed that corruption helped him beat Jack Catterall in February.
The Scottish fighter, 31, took victory against Catterall in controversial fashion at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, via a split decision that shocked the viewing public and caused ire on social media among fight fans.
Josh Taylor celebrates his victory against Jack Catterall in February
Taylor held onto his super-lightweight belts as a result, though he has since lost his WBA title – paving the way for a rematch with Catterall.
The Prestonpans-based boxer has always maintained he won the bout fair and square but is prepared to go toe-to-toe with his rival once again to settle the score.
Taylor was knocked down in the eighth round on that night in February and has admitted he wasn’t at his best throughout the fight.
Legendary promoter Bob Arum agreed but insisted the verdict CORRECTLY went in Taylor’s favour.
However there were plenty of big names in the sport who disagreed, including Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and promoter Ben Shalom, who called for an investigation into the result and expressed his embarrassment after promoting the event.
Subsequently, the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed they were looking into the fight.
So far the only outcome has been a decision to demote one of the judges on the night, Ian John-Lewis.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Taylor said: “I was absolutely rubbish but I got the right result.
“I thought he was very negative, on the back foot, holding and I think he should’ve had more than one point taken off him for excessive holding. It’s been and done. I got the decision.
“After it, people insinuating that there was corruption going on and saying this and saying that and judges getting paid off – which is absolutely ridiculous.
“People who are well respected in the sport shouldn’t be saying things like that.”
Taylor has faced months of abuse on social media since and had to call out fight fans that were also attacking his partner and family.
He said: “Many fans believe Jack deserved the decision, and that’s fine. We both went in there and fought our guts out for 12 rounds.
“But the personal attacks on myself and especially my family are disgusting and uncalled for.”
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