British boxing authorities have launched an investigation into the scoring that allowed Josh Taylor to retain his titles as undisputed super-lightweight world champion with a controversial victory over Jack Catterall.
Challenger Catterall claimed his dreams had been “stolen” after a split decision went the way of Scotsman Taylor on home soil in Glasgow on Saturday.
A brief statement from British Boxing Board of Control general secretary Robert Smith confirmed the organisation “will be investigating the scoring of this contest and will advise accordingly”.
Catterall put Taylor on the canvas in the eighth round and both boxers were deducted a point each for offences.
Howard Foster scored it 113-112 in favour of the Englishman with Victor Loughlin giving the fight to Taylor by the same scoreline and Ian John-Lewis awarding the defending champion a 114-111 victory.
The decision stunned the boxing world and left Catterall livid, as the 28-year-old stormed out without speaking to anyone.
Taylor claimed he was the rightful victor but the decision left the fight’s promoter Ben Shalom, feeling “embarrassed” and “angry”.
The controversial scoring that gave a shock victory to Taylor who had been battered all fight long
Catterall had moved aside from a mandatory challenge for his belt to allow Taylor the chance to unify the division.
Catterall’s trainer, Jamie Moore, claimed the decision could have serious ramifications for the future of boxing.
“He did the honourable thing of stepping aside to allow an undisputed champion to be crowned, for the good of boxing, to have the sport he loves rob him of his dream,” Moore said.
“What happened cannot continue to happen if the sport I love has a long term future as a credible sport.”
It remains to be seen as to whether there will be a rematch or not, although Taylor said post-fight that it doesn’t look likely.
“I don’t think there’s any need for a rematch, I won the fight,” Taylor said.
“I won the fight by a couple of rounds, I won the fight in the second half when I took over and I bossed him.”
Credit: Fox Sports
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