It’s a slap, right across the face. That’s how Jack Catterall responded when Josh Taylor pressed too hard on his nerves. The jarring visuals of their press conference have made the rounds on the internet, and it all started with a book and ended with two security teams.

Chaos and violence have marred their encounters before Taylor and Catterall face each other in a grudge rematch on April 27 in Leeds, England. The rivals had to be separated for the second day in a row as tensions between the two camps reached a zenith during their press conference in Manchester. Eddie Hearn has given a detailed account of what prompted such a reaction from ‘El Gato’.

Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall spill carnage on the stage

Notably, Taylor and Catterall first met in 2022, with the former narrowly edging out Catterall with a controversial split decision. Since then, there has been no love lost between the two. Taylor stoked those bitter feelings when he handed Catterall a spelling and coloring book. Recalling the incident to Boxing Social, Hearn said, “Josh comes on the stage and gives Jack a spelling and coloring book. Jack slaps him across the face. Josh goes to pick a chair.”

Shedding light on their heated rivalry, the British promoter continued, “I mean, like I know we talk about rivalries, but honestly. And I know people say, ‘Oh, you are just saying it’. I haven’t seen one as violent, but they want to attack each other on sight.”

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The night didn’t end with the slap, but it was how it started. So when it was time to wrap the presser, Hearn had to employ two security teams to tie down the two during the face-off. “Even in head-to-head, I actually speak to both of them, right. And even then, I have literally got two security either side, holding their arms down. Because they just want to fight now,” Hearn added later.

Catterall is confident of coming on top and KOing Taylor

Two years ago, Catterall had lost a fight and his chance at the undisputed super lightweight crown that Taylor held. Many believed the British boxer had done enough to bag a victory and all the marbles. But he found himself on the wrong side of the decision.

“I know I’ve got his number, and it’s only a matter of time before he touches the canvas again,” Catterall declared at the presser after he had smacked Taylor and specified his intentions. The two meet again in April, but this time with no titles on the line.

“Punch Your Silly Square Head Clean Off Your Neck”: Jack Catterall Gives Scathing Response to Josh Taylor Denying Accepting Rematch Offer

What do you make of these comments by Eddie Hearn? Do you believe Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall will be an exciting fight? Let us know in the comments below.

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