His full attention may be on Kiko Martinez this weekend, but the prospect of fighting Leigh Wood in Nottingham is a tantalising prospect for Josh Warrington.
After causing one of 2021’s biggest upsets beating Kid Galahad the 36-year-old veteran makes the first defence of his IBF featherweight title on Saturday night in a rematch against Josh Warrington. Just like five years ago the Spaniard will go into the lion’s den at Leeds Arena and hopes to make it 1-1 after losing to Warrington that night.
Should the home favourite go on and win not only would he become a two-time featherweight champion, recapturing the title he held for three years, but could go on to face Wood.
The Nottingham fighter defended his WBA featherweight title in a spectacular fight against Michael Conlan this month. His promoter Eddie Hearn, who also works with Warrington, wants Wood’s next fight to be at the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest Football Club.
“I’d love to go boot the doors down at City Ground and take the barmy Leeds fans up with us who support me. I’d love to beat him in his back yard, no problem. Let’s concentrate on Saturday night and go from there,” Warrington told Boxing Social’s Andi Purewal.
Warrington’s boxing future was in doubt after a punishing defeat at the hands of Mauricio Lara in February 2021. The non-title bout, which came after ‘The Leeds Warrior’ vacated his IBF belt to move on to bigger fights, signalled the first defeat of his career. Warrington bounced back to take on the Mexican seven months later, but their rematch ended after Lara suffered a bad cut declaring the fight a technical draw.
“I got to a stage where I thought I were invincible and just goes to show can happen in this sport,” said Warrington.
Looking ahead to the Martinez rematch Warrington believes he is at the top of his game and will have enough about him to become world champion again.
“My stock’s risen since I’ve been in with him. I’ve been in with better fighters. I’ve carried on getting better and better and I feel like I’m at the peak of my career. I expect a tough fight but I’m confident of winning.”
To watch the full interview, click here.