Jack Catterall and Eddie Hearn question Bob Arum after promoter criticizes Josh Taylor’s scorecards

Jack Catterall thinks Bob Arum’s post-fight rant was “disrespectful” after his win over Josh Taylor.

Catterall and Taylor finally settled their differences in a thrilling rematch in Leeds, which saw ‘El Gato’ avenge his controversial defeat to the ‘Tartan Tornado’ in 2022.

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But the judges received plenty of criticism after scoring the match at 177-111, 117-111, 116-113, which was considered a wide margin given the close nature of the fight.

Top Rank promoter Arum then took the microphone and lashed out at the officials, calling their score a “disgrace.”

Catterall was not very impressed by his rant and was convinced he had won the fight.

“You have so much respect for someone like Bob, but someone should have looked out for him,” Catterall said on the White & Jordan show.

“I found it a little disrespectful because it was my time and I had just won the fight against Josh.

“I was being interviewed at the same time and he jumped on the mic, someone should have taken it away from him.

“Maybe the scorecards were wide, but I was comfortable and confident that I had done enough to win the fight.

“But for Bob to jump on the mic, when photos were circulating showing him sleeping during some rounds. It seemed a little disrespectful.”

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Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn also suggested the comments were slightly “strange” after he claimed he would not bring an American fighter to the UK.

Hearn said on the same show: “Bob is 90, he’s not always going to act like it. I think it was pretty close, I didn’t even know Bob was in the ring.

“But he left and I think he almost hanged himself in the process. It was a bit of a strange reaction to say you won’t bring any more fighters to Britain.

“It was one of those fights, some people took it pretty broad. It’s a pretty damning reaction to their abilities and their integrity.

“Even the Top Rank guys were a bit embarrassed about it, but he’s 94, you can’t expect him to be calm all the time.

“I’m just not sure the reaction was the best in the world.”

Many, however, shared Arum’s views in the boxing world, with a frenzy of angry fans online in the aftermath.

Arum’s assessment was echoed by Tony Bellew who furiously criticized the scorecards.

He said: “The judges are going to cloud Catterall’s moment. I had a very close fight.

“This double 117-111 is a shame. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

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