Josh Warrington after Takoucht wants the best at 126

Josh Warrington will be back home in Leeds, England, when he defends his IBF world featherweight title against number four ranked Sofiane Takoucht at First Direct Arena on Saturday, October 12, live on BT Sport.

Warrington (29-0, 6KOs) who will be making the third defense of his championship faced off with French challenger Takoucht (35-3-1, 13KOs) at a press conference today.

If you're in Leeds this lunchtime, head over to The Carriageworks (LS2 3AD) for @J_Warrington's fight announcement presser – all welcome ?

⏰ 1.30pm for 2pm start ⏰ pic.twitter.com/BggHGWBf9T

— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) August 7, 2019

Here is what Warrington said to the media from one Britain’s best young boxers:

“I hoped for a unification, but that isn’t mine, my management or Frank Warren’s fault. None of the champions seem to want it. I have to stay active so we’re back in Leeds. Some of my fans had money saved to go and watch me in America and Frank really tried. I am hoping to get through this one and it happens. All I am doing is concentrating on keeping my title, but ultimately my dream is to unify.

“I just want to win a unified title against one champion and I will then fight anyone until the cows come home. Takoucht has a massive opportunity and he has been given a golden ticket. Takoucht knows he has a massive opportunity in my back yard and it would be ridiculous to think this is a given. I am not there to make a statement, but show that if I step up to any of the other champions I beat them. The fire is in my belly. I want a performance and must beat people like this is style. I would be disappointed if it was a long drawn out points win. I want to get it done quickly.

“Michael Conlan is making big waves, but I want the other champions then I will fight the likes of him. I’m coming up to ten years as a professional. The support has just grown and grown and inspired young fighters in Leeds. The journey hasn’t finished. I would love the WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz and if Shakur Stevenson wins the WBO title I would line him up and give him 12 rounds of hell, but it’s this fight against Takoucht I’m thinking about.”