IBF title, Josh Warrington v Kiko Martinez: Leeds Warrior fired up by ‘exciting’ featherweight division

By Ben McKenna
Published 21st Mar 2022, 05:57 BST
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Since Josh Warrington last held a world featherweight title, the top of the division looked completely different to what it does today but, for the Leeds Warrior, it feels like the excitement is back at 126 pounds.

The 31-year-old will look to become a world champion again as he faces Kiko Martinez for the IBF title at Leeds Arena on Saturday.

Warrington vacated the belt just over 12 months ago and, in that time, the title has already changed hands twice, being won by Kid Galahad last August before Martinez lifted it aloft in November.

The excitement has not been limited to the IBF crown.

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Leeds Warrior Josh Warrington ahead of his IBF world title fight with Kiko Martinez. Picture: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.Leeds Warrior Josh Warrington ahead of his IBF world title fight with Kiko Martinez. Picture: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.
Leeds Warrior Josh Warrington ahead of his IBF world title fight with Kiko Martinez. Picture: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.

Nine days ago, one of the contenders for fight of the year took place for the WBA featherweight title as Leigh Wood dramatically knocked out Belfast’s Michael Conlan in a thrilling contest in Nottingham.

Wood is one of three new champions in the featherweight division within the last 12 months, after he claimed the WBA belt in July with a stunning success over Xu Can.

Then came Martinez’s triumph as he floored Warrington’s old rival Kid Galahad in the sixth round as he was crowned IBF champion. In January, the WBC crown changed hands as Mark Magsayo, of the Philippines, beat Gary Russell Junior by a split decision to end the American’s seven-year reign.

WBO king Emanuel Navarrete is another top fighter within the division while Warrington is one of a number of elite featherweight boxers who are without a world title.

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