Leeds boxer Josh Warrington is aiming to fight Lee Selby at Leeds United’s Elland Road in summer
By Paul Connolly
Leeds boxer Josh Warrington is lining up a potential world-title clash with reigning IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby at his beloved Elland Road, this summer.
Warrington’s promoters have opened negotiations for the unbeaten fighter to face Selby, a bout he has been eagerly anticipating.
Talks underway with Lee Selby’s promoter/manager Chris Sanigar about @J_Warrington having world title fight at Elland Road this summer #lufc
— Lee Sobot (@LeeSobotYEP) February 1, 2017
His next fight, however, will again be fought at the Leeds First Direct Arena, on May 13, potentially against Kiko Martinez.
“I’m sick of hearing his [Selby’s] name,” Warrington told Sporting Life. “If the contract gets put to me tomorrow, I’ll sign it.
“If he comes to Leeds, he’s getting beat. Simple as that.
“Selby has been spoken about for so long now that everyone is gasping for it to happen.
“It would be more than a dream to fight at Elland Road – it would be incredible. My perfect 2017 would be for Leeds United to be promoted and me to win a world title.
“But I can’t look past May 13 and hopefully it will be Kiko Martinez. Martinez is a big name and I need a big fight and the people of Leeds want to see a big fight.”
The ‘Leeds Warrior’ hasn’t fought since his bout with Irishman Patrick Hyland at the Leeds First Direct Arena, July 30 last year.
In that time, though, Warrington has moved from promotors Matchroom Boxing to Frank Warren Promotions, in a bid to secure a world title fight.
The 26-year old has also had minor elbow surgery whilst on the sidelines.
Warrington has built a significant fanbase in Leeds but will now also share the limelight with Olympic medallist Nicola Adams, who has recently turned pro herself.
Adams, also from Leeds, will be on the ‘Leeds Warrior’s’ undercard for the May 13 fight, though she has no confirmed opponent yet.