Josh Warrington was forced to vacate the IBF Featherweight title this week, as the boxing board refused to sanction the huge unification fight that the champion was planning later in the year. The British fighter had hoped to defend the title against Xu Can in a huge unification fight later in the year.
An agreement had been reached regarding the fight, but it was forced to be delayed due to a later agreed date. The fight is now likely to happen at the end of April. However, before then, Warrington will be back in the ring in the middle of February, as he takes on Mauricio Lara.
Boxing News: Warrington Wants To Make History
There was some surprise when it was revealed that Warrington was prepared to drop his featherweight title, but the Leeds-born fighter has admitted that he has his heart set on creating history in the ring. Warrington admitted that the decision was the right one, and his sights are set on winning The Ring belt at some point this year.
His decision to target that belt will lead to some massive potential fights in the featherweight division. He could either fight Can or WBC champion Gary Russell at some point this year to claim that title. Promoter Eddie Hearn also spoke at length about the boxer’s decision to vacate the title, and he agreed that it was the right decision to make. But, before Warrington can think ahead to those fights, he must first successfully navigate the threat posed by Lara.
Boxing News: Lara Fight Set For February
Warrington’s return to the ring will come next month against Lara, as the Brit will be looking to extend his professional record to 31-0. He has been in spectacular form over recent years, and has beaten some of the biggest names in the featherweight division. Warrington won the IBF title after claiming a split decision victory over Lee Selby at Elland Road.
Since then, he has successfully defended his title on two occasions. His first defence came against Carl Frampton in Manchester. He beat his opponent by unanimous decision, before then going onto beat Kid Galahad by split decision in June 2019. His most recent title defence came against Sofiane Takoucht in October 2019, and he won that fight by TKO in the second round. All eyes will be on the Brit as he returns against the talented Mexican opponent next month.
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