Josh Taylor is now a two world title holder since the start of the year as the undisputed ultralightweight champion.
The World Boxing Council revealed this evening that they have received a letter from Scot’s attorney informing them of his decision to give up his WBC world title. With the belt now vacant, mandatory challenger Jose Zepeda and former champion and Taylor rival Jose Ramirez have been brought in to fight for the title.
Half a month ago, it was announced that Taylor is no longer a WBA champion. The World Boxing Association announced on social media that the title has been vacant.
In a letter to the WBA, Taylor wrote: “I have been a proud WBA champion since 2019 when I beat Regis Prograis. Unfortunately, due to my upcoming wedding and honeymoon this summer, I cannot fulfill my mandatory obligations and protect Alberto Puello in time.
“I didn’t want to deal with a fellow boxer who was fulfilling his own career dream and for that reason I had to respectfully leave the team. I wish the best to the fighters who will be competing for the vacant title and look forward to becoming a WBA champion again in the future. “
Taylor remains the unified champion at 140lbs and holds the world IBF and WBO titles. All in all, this could be good news for British rival Jack Catterall. After their Undisputed controversy back in February, which Taylor won in a controversial split decision, there have been numerous calls for his opponent to get a rematch.
This week ‘The Tartan Tornado’ told Sky Sports that everything is being done for the second Catterall fight to take place.
“This time it’s a motivation that I haven’t had the last time, the motivation is there because of everything that has happened since the war,” the 30-year-old said.
“Hopefully the sooner the better for me. The only reason I keep the weight is to fight Catterall. Obviously, Zepeda is also a big battle, it’s the one that looks like it’s going to be next. “
But now Zepeda is not next. The door is now wide open for Taylor and Catterall’s teams to sit down and hammer out a deal for a highly anticipated rematch should it happen.
Also, tonight Taylor tagged Catterall to her Instagram story with a screenshot of the WBC’s headline that their title is now blank. “Happy Birthday @jackcatt1” he wrote. Catterall turns 29 today and later this year he could get a belated gift as the ultralightweight contender could be about to challenge for the world title again.
