A packed Elland Road Stadium will be watching as mandatory challenger Josh Warrington tries to dethrone the current IBF World featherweight champion, Lee Selby.
The 27-year old knows he is facing a tough task and the pressure is certainly on him but he’s ready to perform and ‘do the business’ against the dominant champion.
“The pressure is natural. You got thousands of people expecting you to go out there and win and make it a good day for them. I’m a massive underdog going into this fight in terms of the boxing. Boxing media and people worldwide are saying that Lee’s going to be too much for me. I should be nervous but if someone tells me I can’t do it, I’m going to out there and prove them wrong,” told Warrington to Boxing Social.
“With the rivalry that me and Lee have had, I feel like I’m ready to just go out there and enjoy it. Just do the business,” added the challenger.
Tempers flared during the final press conference earlier this week as the two faced off while the hostile Leeds crowd did what they could to rattle Selby. The champion seemed unfazed but Warrington believes he and his supporters got under the Welshman’s skin.
“He puts on a bit of a persona. Quiet character. Obviously, the crowd does what they can to get under his skin. That’s just natural for them. They let their opinions be known. When I went to the head-to-head with him, I looked into his eyes and a few things was said between me and him, I think I got a different reading,” told Warrington.
“It’s easy to say that you don’t get intimidated or riled up or get upset by the fans but the way that he behaved – it’s a different story. The way he snapped back. If you were under control of your emotions you’d be nice and calm and relaxed,” continued the Yorkshireman.
Not many fighters get the fulfill their dreams of fighting for a world title in a packed hometown stadium. Warrington knows opportunities like Saturday night are rare but the confident boxer believes victory at Elland Road is destined for him.
“I’m winning this world title because it’s destined. It’s meant to be. Simple as that. It’s been a long journey getting here. Lee is a very good fighter. Very good technical fighter. But I’m going to bring absolutely everything to win that world title,” he concluded.
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Behind Enemy Lines: Lee Selby Faces Josh Warrington in Elland Road Cracker