‘Leeds Warrior’ Josh Warrington reunited with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing

UNDEFEATED IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington has re-signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Promotions.
Josh Warrington, on his way to beating Sofiane Takoucht at Leeds Arena last year. Picture: Steve Riding.Josh Warrington, on his way to beating Sofiane Takoucht at Leeds Arena last year. Picture: Steve Riding.
Josh Warrington, on his way to beating Sofiane Takoucht at Leeds Arena last year. Picture: Steve Riding.

Warrington’s move comes three years after he split with Hearn to join rival Frank Warren, citing differences of opinion.

The Leeds fighter is targeting lucrative unification bouts in the United States after making a successful third defence of his title against Sofiane Takoucht in October.

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Warrington created history by becoming Leeds’ first-ever male world champion when he upset the odds to wrestle the IBF 126lbs crown from Lee Selby at Elland Road in May 2018.

Josh Warrington poses with Eddie Hearn before his fight against Joel Brunker back in 2016. Picture: Steve Riding.Josh Warrington poses with Eddie Hearn before his fight against Joel Brunker back in 2016. Picture: Steve Riding.
Josh Warrington poses with Eddie Hearn before his fight against Joel Brunker back in 2016. Picture: Steve Riding.

Warrington was again written off by many ahead of his first defence against Irish fight legend and two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at Manchester Arena in December 2019.

Warrington retained his IBF title in an epic fight-of-the-year contender with ‘The Jackal’, earning a unanimous victory.

A testing battle with IBF mandatory challenger Kid Galahad, from Sheffield, followed at the First Direct Arena, with Warrington edging out his Sheffield rival via a controversial split decision.

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He went on to defend his title with an emphatic second-round demolition job over Sofiane Takoucht in October and now has his heart set on fighting in the USA and unifying the featherweight division to cement himself as the division’s No 1.

Josh Warrington poses with promoter Frank Warren and opponent Sofiane Takouchtat ahead of their bout at First Direct Leeds Arena last year. Picture: Steve Riding.Josh Warrington poses with promoter Frank Warren and opponent Sofiane Takouchtat ahead of their bout at First Direct Leeds Arena last year. Picture: Steve Riding.
Josh Warrington poses with promoter Frank Warren and opponent Sofiane Takouchtat ahead of their bout at First Direct Leeds Arena last year. Picture: Steve Riding.

“It’s great to be back with Matchroom - I’m very excited about the future,” said Warrington, whose fights will now be screened on Sky Sports and DAZN. “I have enjoyed my time at BT but now I’m looking forward to going on to achieve my dreams of fighting in the USA and unifying the division.”

Hearne added: “I’m ecstatic to welcome Josh back to Matchroom. We had some amazing times helping to build Josh in Leeds and now we re-unite at a time when he is the king of the division.

“Josh has some of the most loyal and passionate supporters in sport and we look forward to delivering nights they will never forget.

“There is so much more for Josh to accomplish.”