Josh Warrington became a two-time featherweight world champion at Leeds last night.
The 31-year-old was on a win or bust against Kiko Martinez, who claimed the title following a stunning knockout win over Kid Galahad last November.
A loss for Warrington was unthinkable in front of home fans at First Direct Arena. The same venue that saw ‘Leeds Warriors’ and Martinez fight each other for more than 12 rounds in 2017. On that night, Warrington took the score but last night, inside 10,000 strong bears, he took the score. create something memorable.
The atmosphere boils after the ring walks and the national anthems. A fire was lit inside Warrington, and he came out on round 1 as if it were round 12 and needed a knockout to win.
Like he did with Carl Frampton in 2018, he drew his opponent into a fight early on.
Warrington decided to put his foot down and go from 0-100mph in seconds when he let go of his hand at will. And he got a reward for his efforts. An overhand serve knocked the Spaniard out and kept Warrington on his feet, but time was up. It was an unforgettable 180 seconds.
A head collision during the opening session angered Martinez, who let referee Marcus McDonnell know something was not right. The fight is tough, tough, and the rules that have been tested by Warrington can sometimes turn out to be a clever conspiracy. Martinez has crimson over his left eye, and it’s getting worse. He was uncomfortable but fought fire when he had to.
The first three rounds belonged to Warrington with the intensity and speed of work at times too much for the champion. Martinez gave a better account in Wednesday. He repeatedly stepped down on the challenger and started aiming for the body. His trusty right-hand man got to Warrington with 60 seconds to go and started churning out top lines on the rope. The worry now is that there is a Brit who took it away and broke it up too soon.
Warrington’s tall guard served him well and served as a reminder in round 5 that the final session was uncomfortable. Even so, the hands were functional again; combinations have increased in number.
Warrington’s tank was refilling again, and his right arm was slashing Martinez’s throat time and time again. Short hooks severed the 36-year-old boxer, who had to concentrate because of his relegation and one boxer’s chance of winning. But many can testify what the punch it can prove is.
Brains went to one side in round 6 as Warrington managed to win this round with a smart ring.
However, referee McDonnell had to warn him again for using his head.
Seventh brings Warrington back to the top with 130lbs. A series of shots in the first minute enabled Martinez to return with the heart and spirit we all know. A body shot seemed to trouble his old nemesis, but Warrington’s reaction was superb. He brought fire and fervor in the opening few rounds to take everything out on Kiko Martinez.
The referee is getting closer and closer to action. Martinez was hurt, beaten and looked like inch by inch during his 36 years.
The headers became endless, and the game was over with less than a minute remaining.
Josh Warrington, who was wiped out by many after a massive loss to Mauricio Lara a year ago, has just regained the IBF title he vacated before facing the Mexican. That decision was made to allow him to pursue larger battles that never materialized. Now, after tonight’s performance in Leeds, the local hero who has been packing First Direct Arena for years can look forward to some more memorable nights.
Speaking to DAZN later with an injured jaw, the new champion said: “I got my belt back. It’s not just for me or my family but it’s for all of these people (fans). I had seven bells knocked down by Mauricio Lara and they were there to assist me with my revenge. Let’s go back to the world titles and there they are again.
“We may not hit the same numbers as the big boys, AJ and Fury, but I want an arena with over 100,000 tourists any day of the week.”
