Jack Catterall, beaten on a disputed decision in 2022, is ordered to face Teofimo Lopez

Jack Catterall knocked Josh Taylor down and still lost a split decision in Glasgow in 2022. The WBA has now ordered Teofimo Lopez to defend his welterweight title against him.

Jack Catterall put Josh Taylor on the canvas in the eighth round in Glasgow on 26 February 2022, and to most people watching he had done enough to leave as undisputed super-lightweight champion. Two of the three judges disagreed. Howard Foster scored it 113-112 for Catterall, but Ian John-Lewis had it 114-111 and Victor Loughlin 113-112 for Taylor. The British Boxing Board of Control investigated the scoring, and John-Lewis was later demoted from world-title duties. Catterall settled the argument on 18 May 2024, beating Taylor on a unanimous decision in Leeds.

This week he was put in line for another world title. The WBA announced on 22 September that Teofimo Lopez, who won its welterweight championship by beating Rolando Romero in August, must defend against Catterall, with the camps given until 22 October to agree terms before a purse bid, ESPN reported.

Lopez had been angling for Ryan Garcia instead. For Catterall, who spent years being told he was robbed, an order from the governing body is the closest thing yet to the fight he says he is owed.

Earlier: Jack Catterall's team press for Teofimo Lopez fight.