Josh Warrington Next Fight: Teases Potential 2025 Showdown

Josh Warrington (31-4-1, 8 KOs) has enjoyed a stellar career, being a two-time featherweight world champion. His most recent bout was a unanimous decision loss against Anthony Cacace on September 21 with all scores favouring the Belfast fighter, 118-110 and 117-111 x2. Following that defeat, the DAZN broadcast team reported that Warrington laid his gloves down in the ring to signify his retirement. It now appears “The Leeds Warrior” is not happy to retire on that note and has identified a potential dance partner for a 2025 showdown.

Josh Warrington Next Fight: Identifies Potential 2025 Leigh Wood Rematch

‘The Leeds Warrior’ Reflects on Recent Losses and Future Plans

Since defeating Kiko Martinez to win the IBF crown, Warrington has lost three in a row, including his loss to Leigh Wood (28-3, 17 KOs), a fight he was winning on all three scorecards. Warrington boxed smartly throughout and was outlanding his opponent comfortably before the seventh-round stoppage. It seems a rematch against Wood is the fight Warrington wants.

“I was chatting with my manager, Frank Smith and Eddie Hearn to see what’s out there for me,” he told DAZN News. “I know there’s another fighter who’s been inactive.”

Read More: KO Specialist Included: 5 Underrated Featherweights to Watch Out for in 2024

He continued: “We’ve already had a dance in the past. I don’t feel like he’s got a fight, so it would make sense. If you don’t know who I’m talking about there.”

Looking at the size of the fight, the Leeds fighter said: “If we’re talking about domestic fights and big fights for the UK, then I think that’s one right there. We’ve got a bit of history, and it’s appealing for the boxing fans.”

Warrington added: “Something like that would make sense. If not, we’ll look elsewhere. But I’ll sit down with everyone else around and see where we go.”

Exiting on Own Terms

Despite flirting with retirement after the Cacace defeat, its obvious that Warrington now wants to exit boxing on his terms: “I don’t think I can end on the note that I did, when I got bashed up.”

He added: “Cacace is a fellow who destroyed Joe Cordina, and he couldn’t do the same with me.”

Read More: Josh Warrington stunned by Mauricio Lara 9th Round KO

Wood has not boxed since defeating Warrington last year, with the Leeds man seemingly set on avenging that loss before retirement: “I’m still here, and I’d like to finish on a high. But I also want to be in fights that people want to see. As I said, there’s a fight right there with Leigh Wood.”