Josh Taylor vacates the WBC world title to pave the way for a rematch with British rival Jack Catterall, then sends a cheeky tweet

JOSH TAYLOR has vacated another of his world welterweight titles for a rematch against British rival Jack Catterall.

Taylor defeated 29-year-old Catterall in Glasgow in February this year after a hotly disputed split decision, and a rematch has been loudly sought.

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Many felt Catterall was stripped of the undisputed super lightweight titles after a stunning performance against the Scot.

And there have been calls for an inquiry into the judges’ scoring after Taylor won a hugely controversial fight.

Having already forfeited his WBA belt, the 31-year-old has now relinquished the WBC crown when sanctions officials ordered Jose Carlos Ramirez to fight Jose Zepeda for the vacant belt.

Taylor, who has expressed his preference for a second fight against England’s Catterall, was set to face Zepeda but the Prestonpans fighter revealed his impending nuptials has prompted a rethink.

He tweeted: “Right now I wouldn’t be able to embark on that defense so soon after my wedding.

“I hope to be able to fight for a WBC title again in the future when the time is right.

“I wish Zepeda and Ramirez all the best in the fight for this title.”

Taylor remains the IBF and WBO champion after seemingly deciding to stay at 140lbs rather than move up to welterweight like he originally planned after his win over Catterall.

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The organization said on Twitter: “The WBC truly regrets losing so much time and freezing mandatory contender Jose Zepeda as well as other fighters in the division.

“We wish Josh Taylor every success in his future, both in and out of the ring.”

Taylor immediately tweeted his competitor, writing, “Happy Birthday Jack Caterall.”

In February, Taylor went down once and deducted a point while Catterall landed almost twice as many punches.

Catterall’s trainer Jamie Moore fumed: “I can’t put it into words.

“He worked his whole life towards this moment, he waited three years, did the right things, played like that, beat the champion in his own backyard and got robbed.

“What message does that send to people at home? It’s disgusting.

“Sky asked him to come down and talk, but how is he supposed to do that? He is absolutely heartbroken.”