'Leeds Warrior' Josh Warrington has decision to make as father Sean O'Hagan's view is made clear
As Leigh Wood basked in his victory, Josh Warrington turned to face his supporters.
Nearly two-and-a-half years on from their first meeting in Sheffield, the super-featherweights renewed their rivalry in Wood’s hometown of Nottingham.
Wood again had his hand raised aloft, this time after a controlled performance over 12 rounds. Warrington never really get going, with moments of promise frustratingly fleeting in an affair Wood never looked particularly uncomfortable in.
The travelling fans, many of whom had made their way to Nottingham from Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, refused to relent with their singing.
“The bottom lip started trembling,” admitted Warrington.
Josh Warrington at a crossroads
At 35, Warrington has not secured a big arena win in nearly four years. He has already performed a retirement U-turn once but the sense his days in the ring are numbered was only heightened in the Midlands.
There was a time Warrington was famed for his intensity, for his ability to find magic from deep within, but there was none to be plucked from his depleted tank in the dying embers.
He only toyed with the prospect of retiring post-fight and it was abundantly clear he had the fans in mind when considering both options.
On one hand, many would love another fight night in Leeds. On the other, Warrington is acutely aware fans are putting in money and time to back a fighter no longer in his pomp.
"You’ve got people spending their hard-earned money,” he said. “People going into their overdraft or taking loans to come to the fights.
"I've been in that position before. Some of these guys have followed me miles and miles and sacrificed so much – weddings, funerals, birthdays, just to support me.
"I had four losses prior to going into this fight. They’re still behind me, chanting and cheering and singing my name.”
Sean O’Hagan’s view
There are of course factors more pertinent than the fans. Warrington has his health and his family to consider.
In continuing to fight, he would be going against the wishes of his father and trainer Sean O’Hagan.
"I would like to see him stop now,” O’Hagan said. “You've got to be realistic.
"It's a dangerous sport. He's done very well - a fantastic ambassador for the sport itself. I think it's time now to wrap it up. He can still be involved in boxing in other ways.
"He’s changed lives. He’s had a fantastic career. What we’re going to do now is do a little bit of fishing in the summer, a little bit of golf. Let’s see what happens.
"I think he’s been a fantastic ambassador, not just for boxing but for the city of Leeds itself. I think there comes a time when you’ve got to be realistic. He was just lacking that 10 or 15 per cent.”
Josh Warrington’s legacy
It remains to be seen whether Warrington decides to put his gloves away and start a new chapter.
If he does decide his time has come, British boxing will be bidding farewell to a bona fide icon of the modern era.
“You don’t get those moments again,” said Warrington. “It’s scary to think about.
"These are some of the greatest moments you’ll have in life. I’m not saying my life’s going to end – I’ve got three beautiful kids and my wife.
"We’re going to make some more memories and potentially [I could] do more stuff in boxing outside the ring. But that moment when you’re in the ring and it’s all about you…it’s a surreal feeling I can’t put into words.”