Return date for Leeds Arena is likely for hero Warrington

Commonwealth featherweight champion Warrington added the British title to his armoury with Wednesday night’s impressive victory against Martin Lindsay at the First Direct Arena.

Undefeated Warrington’s performance was just as impressive as the passionate display by the boxer’s hometown fans, something recognised by the star of the show afterwards.

“I’m living the dream,” he said. “When I first started pro’ this is what I set out to do and I’ve done it in Leeds in front of an amazing crowd. It’s excellent and words can’t describe it. To create an atmosphere like they did here on a Wednesday night, full credit to everyone who has turned out. I appreciate every single person that has bought a ticket and supported us.”

Asked what was next on his agenda, Warrington added: “First of all I think I might have a little rest and get myself to the seaside and have some fish and chips. I’ve had two fights in quick succession.

“Definitely, after the summer, I would love to keep a hold of this belt. But I’ll be back to making teeth on Monday!”

London-born promoter Eddie Hearn has a rising star of boxing on his hands and says Warrington’s next aims will be defending his Lonsdale Belt before bidding to add the European title in 2015.

“He’s got great support here, the atmosphere is great,” said Hearn. “We’re going to come back here in September or October on a Saturday night and do something very special.”

Warrington might not be doing that for much longer based on Wednesday’s professional display in which victory was never in doubt.

Indeed, the only surprise was that a battered and bruised Lindsay managed to survive until the final bell in the final round.

Warrington said: “I set out to win the British and I’ve done that and I do think I’ve got a lot more to give.

“We’ll see how far we can go but I definitely think we can go all the way. Why not?”

Warrington’s dad and trainer Sean O’Hagan was naturally delighted by Wednesday night’s victory and admits the last 18 months have been something of a whirlwind.

“It was an absolutely superb performance and he’s here now as British Champion and Commonwealth Champion,” he said.

“The last two years or 18 months have gone really, really fast and we’ll just keep doing our best, taking fights and we won’t refuse anybody.

“Josh deserves it, he takes punches and he puts the work in. He deserves every win.”

And equally impressed was promoter Hearn who was visibly taken with such a vociferous and busy crowd on a Wednesday evening.

The promoter now believes that for Warrington the sky is the limit.

“I just want to say a special thank you to the people of Leeds. What an atmosphere they have created,” said Hearn.

“It’s a Wednesday night and we’re going to come back here in September or October on a Saturday night and do something very special.

“He’s got great support here, the atmosphere is great, and I think we can really go on and kick on with him now.

“We can defend that British title and then challenge for the European title some time early in 2015.”