JOSH Taylor wants to “rip Jack Catterall’s head off” but says that his sights are set on becoming a two-weight world champion and not on a grudge rematch.

The Englishman defeated three-weight world champion Jorge Linares on points on Saturday and immediately called out Taylor.

The duo fought in February last year when Taylor took a split decision victory (112-113, 114-111, 113-112) to retain his IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO super-lightweight titles. Since then, plenty of insults have been thrown back and forth between the two boxers.

Following Catterall’s latest victory, Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn, who promotes Catterall, said that talks with Taylor’s Top Rank representatives would take place.

READ MORE: Josh Taylor beats Jack Catterall on controversial split decision to retain world titles

Taylor was keen on a rematch but stressed that it would be on his terms and he was concentrating on becoming a two-weight champion. He said: “I want to get in the ring and rip his head off.

“I have never met somebody who has cried so much over a loss.

“I get the fact that it was a close fight and controversial but, for me, I don’t think it was a wrong decision.

“I have had many people say it was not the wrong decision and the fact the punditry on the night was so biased towards him was unbelievable.

“I would love to fight him again and shut him and other people up.

“The amount of disrespect I have had thrown at me is the reason why I want to give him a real good punishment and pain.

“I have moved up to welterweight, or plan to move up welterweight, and I am looking to become a two-weight champion.

“Jack Catterall can sit and beg with his begging bowl out all he wants.

“He is not going to get a big fight.

“He cannot sell out a phonebox – that arena was half empty.”

 

 

In June, Taylor, who grew up in Prestonpans and now lives in Haddington, lost his unbeaten professional record and WBO title to Teófimo López in New York.

The East Lothian boxer told Courier Sport he had taken time away from the sport following the loss “to get his head right”.

He had spent time “sulking” and put that down to his competitive attitude, adding: “I am a bad loser but not a sore loser, unlike someone else.”

Now, he is getting ready to get back in the ring, with hopes that that could take place early in the new year.

READ MORE: Boxing: Josh Taylor vows 'I'll be back' after first defeat

He said: “I was hoping to get out before Christmas but the Hydro [in Glasgow] is booked in because of Christmas concerts.

“We could not get a date sorted and it is now looking like maybe just after the year, maybe late January or February.

“Hopefully, we get out again in summer and maybe once more before the end of the year.”

The 32-year-old was also frustrated at the lack of alternative venues in Scotland – and in particular Edinburgh – to host his bouts.

He said: “Edinburgh is crying out for an international arena.

“It is the capital city of Scotland and there are no venues to have concerts or sports events in Edinburgh – they would rather build student accommodation. It is quite embarrassing not to have an indoor arena for big events.”