JOSH TAYLOR will be taking up another title in the world of light-welterweight for a rematch with Jack Catterall.
After a heated split decision, Taylor defeated Catterall (29), in Glasgow in February. There has been much speculation about a possible return bout.
In February, the Brits went toe totoe in pursuit of the undisputed super-lightweight title
Many believed that Catterall had been robbed of the super-lightweight title after his stunning performance against the Scot.
After Taylor's controversial win, there was a call for an inquiry into the scoring of the judges.
The 31-year old has forfeited his WBA belt and now Jose Carlos Ramirez, the sanctioning body, has ordered him to fight Jose Zepeda.
Taylor has expressed his preference for a second fight against England's Catterall. However, Zepeda revealed that his upcoming nuptials had led to Taylor changing his mind.
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He tweeted, "At the moment I wouldn't be able to dedicate to this defense so soon after getting married."
"I hope to be in a position to compete for the WBC title again in future, when the time is right."
"I wish Zepeda, Ramirez all the best in their competition for this title."
Taylor is still the IBF and WBO champion. He apparently chose to stay at 140lbs instead of moving up to welterweight as he originally intended to do after his win over Catterall.
On Twitter, the organisation stated that it regretted losing so much time and having Jose Zepeda, mandatory contender, frozen along with other fighters in this division.
"We wish Josh Taylor all the best in his future, inside and outside of the ring."
Taylor immediately tweeted his rival, writing: "Happy Birthday Jack Caterall."
Taylor was knocked down once in February's contest and had a point deducted. Catterall, however, landed almost twice as many punches.
Jamie Moore, Catterall's trainer, cried: "It's too hard to put into words."
"He worked his whole life to get that moment. He waited three years, did the right thing, performed like that, beats his champion in his backyard, and is robbed.
"What message does this send to the people back home?" It's disgusting.
Sky has asked him to talk, but how will he do that? He is devastated."
