Josh Warrington: Leigh Wood or another title fight in the United States? What next for Leeds Warrior after shock defeat
For the second time in his career, Josh Warrington’s future prospects have been blown up by an unannounced Mexican.
The Leeds Warrior lost his IBF featherweight title on Saturday night as Alberto Lopez claimed a majority decision victory in front of a stunned home crowd at Leeds Arena to leave the 32-year-old “devastated” and at a crossroads.
In 2021, Warrington lost for the first time as a pro when he was KO’d by Mauricio Lara before his rematch against the Mexican ended in a technical draw. In March, he reclaimed the IBF title with a thrilling KO win over veteran Kiko Martinez.
Warrington had hoped for a unification fight in the United States after meeting Lopez, but the loss raises several questions about what comes next.
The Leeds fighter said after the defeat he was open to the idea of a rematch but that will only happen if approved by Lopez’s team, with no rematch clauses for mandatory competitions.
However, as things stand, a second fight between the two is unlikely. Lopez is promoted from Las Vegas-based Top Rank and there are indications the Mexican’s first defense is set to be against Belfast’s Michael Conlan.
The Irishman has won his last two bouts and was in action last weekend, knocking out Karim Guerfi in a round.
Warrington admitted unification might be a step too far for him but still wants to fight another featherweight champion.
One of them could be Nottingham’s Leigh Wood, who wears the regular WBA belt.
He’s poised to face Lara in his next defense after a planned fight between the two was postponed earlier this year, but a summer date with Warrington is still a possibility.
Warrington’s promoter Eddie Hearn is confident another title shot is realistic and also insisted a trip to the United States should not be ruled out.
Leo Santa Cruz is the WBA super champion while Rey Vargas holds the WBC title and the WBO crown belongs to Emanuel Navarrete. The trio are all from Mexico, Santa Cruz lives in California.
“I’d love to give him a big fight in America. It could be Leo Santa Cruz, fans would love a trip,” Hearn said
“I still think Josh is world class, an elite featherweight man. This was not the performance of a fading fighter – just a fighter going up against a very good challenger.
“There is one more chapter in the story of Josh Warrington to write. He could fight Wood at the City Ground in the summer.”
Wood is open to an all-British clash with Warrington. The Nottingham fighter supports Nottingham Forest and is keen to fight at the club’s home ground
The sizeable following Warrington would bring to the Midlands makes it an attractive proposition for Wood.
“‘That would draw a huge crowd. Warrington has a huge following and so do I,” he said
“It’s two rival cities, both in the Premier League. I want that City Ground fight and Josh is probably the only man who can do it with me.”
Wood even felt Warrington deserved the decision at Leeds after a judge ruled the fight a draw while the other two gave Lopez 115-113. He added: “He wasn’t knocked out. It was a close fight. I thought he deserved the win. Based on the fact that he is the champion. The laps he won, he won more clearly.”
Warrington’s retirement is unlikely as his trainer Sean O’Hagan insists he will be back.
