Warrington admits ‘fear factor’ is back ahead of his Leeds battle with Brunker

LEEDS boxing champion Josh Warrington says he is training harder than ever as he prepares for his toughest fight.
Josh Warrington at the press conference.Josh Warrington at the press conference.
Josh Warrington at the press conference.

Warrington, 24, will defend his unbeaten record and WBC International and Commonwealth featherweight titles against Australian Joel Brunker at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, on September 5.

Brunker has lost just once in 28 professional bouts and represents a step up in class for Warrington, who is 21-0.

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“If anything, I have trained harder than I ever have done,” Warrington said. “This fight has brought the fear factor back.

“You need that bit of a fear factor at times. You need to be scared of an opponent and have that fear of losing and that brings the best out of you.

“It makes you train a bit harder and I know I can’t be going into the fight half-hearted, I have to be switched on.”

“Brunker will be the best fighter Josh has faced,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It is a very, very dangerous fight, he can lose, but I believe he can beat him in a cracking fight.”

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On the same bill, Doncaster-based Gavin McDonnell will defend his European super-bantamweight title against Frenchman Jeremy Parodi. Andy Townend, who lives in Barnsley, will make the first defence of his English super-featherweight crown against Lee Glover, of Tipton.