As a proud Yorkshireman, Leeds born Josh Warrington will fight once more in his home town this weekend as he seeks to regain his IBF Featherweight title. The 32-year-old vacated the belt before a fight against Mauricio Lara at the Wembley Arena in London at the start of 2021 before returning to Yorkshire to fight at Headingley last September in a draw with the Mexican.
This helped set up this fight with Spaniard Martinez, and a return to the First Direct Arena, where Warrington defended his IBF crown twice in 2019 after winning the belt against Lee Selby at Elland Road. His first outing at Elland Road was back in 2010, where he defeated Youssef al-Hamidi at the famous home of Leeds United, who Warrington supports.
Ahead of his return to Leeds, Warrington explained his excitement, saying: "I feel like the city is excited for Saturday night because they know what’s to come, World Championship will be staying in Leeds. I’m very grateful to Kiko for giving me this opportunity but the belt is staying here on Saturday night.
