According to a document released by the WBO on Monday, world junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor is claiming to have suffered a torn plantar fascia and is seeking to postpone his rematch vs. Jack Caterall beyond the scheduled date of March 4th in Glasgow, Scotland. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking. Taylor was ordered by the WBO to submit-- within five days-- a detailed medical explanation of his injury, findings, recovery prognosis and his orthopedic specialist’s opinion as to when will he be physically and medically cleared to compete and return to active competition. The WBO warned that failure to comply with this order could result in Taylor waiving his rights to remain champion under the WBO's rules. 

 

As four-belt champion, Taylor won their first meeting last February, but the decision was controversial with many believing Caterall deserved the decision. Since then, the other three belts have been stripped away from Taylor, with Regis Prograis holding the WBC, Alberto Puello the WBA and the IBF remaining vacant at this time. Subriel Matias and Jeremias Nicolas Ponce are booked to fill the IBF vacancy later this month.