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.
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“I must have upset him in some way because he’s demanded this fight. I’ve said it in many interviews, it’s how this sport work, it goes in circles. We were meant to be sparring partners for the Lara rematch, it’s funny he’s gone on to win a World Title and his first defence is against me.
"He’s confident and I’m sure he would have trained hard, but I’ll be ready for everything he brings on Saturday night."
Leeds United fan Warrington will be joined by Whites defender Luke Ayling for tonight's ring walk. Ayling joins a list of past and present Whites players including Pablo Hernandez, Liam Cooper, Vinnie Jones and Lucas Radebe to join Warrington for his ring walk. The boxer confirmed on Instagram on Wednesday morning that the right-back will be involved.
