JOSH TAYLOR has been handed a huge boost in his bid to become the undisputed super lightweight champion after Jack Catterall agreed to step aside from his mandatory clash with Jose Ramirez.
The path has now been cleared for WBA and IBF champion Taylor to lock horns with WBC and WBO belt holder Ramirez in a mouth-watering showdown at the start of 2021.
Taylor, who beat Apinun Khongsong to win his 17th straight fight with a first-round knock-out last month, had faced the prospect of having to wait even longer to get his chance to collect all four belts.
However, Catterall’s promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that the Englishman will step down from his long-standing WBO mandatory position on the basis he will get the opportunity to fight the winner of Taylor-Ramirez.
Warren said: “The unification will go ahead, subject to the winner fighting Jack, so Jack can fight for all those belts.
“I fancy Josh Taylor to beat Ramirez and, if he does, him and Jack, what a fight that will be in this country.
“Jack wants to fight for the title, he was pressing hard for it. But he has to look at the bigger picture. And the bigger picture is it does make sense because there will be all the belts on the line.”
Taylor, who is aiming to become only the fifth fighter in history to hold all four belts at the same time, took to Twitter to express his delight at Catterall’s decision.
He said: “Let’s get it on!!!! Can’t wait for this. Huge big up to my team-mate Jack Catterall for agreeing to step aside & let this massive fight happen. 100% get your shot after I whoop Jose Ramirez’s a**.”
Catterall tweeted: “Hope you are a man of your word Josh Taylor. All the best! Bring them belts home then 2021 we can dance.”
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