Taylor beat Catterall on a split decision on Saturday to retain his undisputed champion status of the super-lightweight division; the majority of ringside analysts scored the fight comfortably in challenger Catterall's favour
Monday 28 February 2022 19:32, UK
The British Boxing Board of Control has confirmed it will investigate the scoring of Josh Taylor's controversial points victory over Jack Catterall.
Taylor retained his undisputed champion status of the super-lightweight division via a split decision in his Scotland homecoming on Saturday, despite being knocked down, cut and out-boxed for long periods.
The decision was a major shock to the large majority of ringside analysts, with the entire Sky Sports team in agreement Catterall had done enough to become world champion.
"The British Boxing Board of Control will be investigating the scoring of this contest and will advise accordingly," read a statement released by British boxing's governing body on Monday.
Howard Foster scored the bout 113-112 to Catterall, but Victor Loughlin gave it to Taylor by the same scoreline reversed, and Ian John-Lewis scored it 114-111 in the Scot's favour.
Taylor, who was a heavy favourite for the bout, said after the fight he didn't see "any need" for a rematch, and confirmed his intention to move up to the welterweight the division.
Catterall, who was described as "heartbroken" by his team, did not speak to the media after the fight, but wrote on social media on Sunday he had his "dreams stolen".
Catterall's trainer Jamie Moore said he is considering quitting the sport over the treatment of his fighter, who had previously stepped aside to allow Taylor to unify the division.
Sky Sports duo Johnny Nelson and Natasha Jonas, who were both at ringside for the fight, were highly critical of the decision.
Nelson said: "I am so surprised. I gave Taylor four rounds. That was it.
"I can't believe it and I feel so sorry for Catterall. It's decisions like this which turn casual fans off. Josh Taylor did not win that fight."
Jonas added: "I love and respect Josh but it wasn't his night."
Promoter Ben Shalom told Sky Sports immediately after the fight he was "embarrassed" by the outcome.
Shalom, the founder and chief executive of Boxxer, who promoted a stunning trio of shows on Sky Sports in February, was particularly astounded by the 114-111 scorecard in Taylor's favour.
"I am actually embarrassed because I'm promoting this event, and I couldn't see how[(it was scored that way]," Shalom said. "It's embarrassing.
"I love this sport, that's why I got into it, and we've tried to keep our integrity and we try to keep everything true to the sport that we love, but tonight is really difficult.
"We've had three great shows - Eubank Jr-Williams, Khan-Brook and Taylor-Catterall, which was actually the best fight of them all, but that's heart-breaking for Jack and I'm embarrassed."
