Josh Warrington isn’t done just yet, as the ‘Leeds Warrior’ makes retirement U-turn after seemingly calling it a day at Wembley Stadium back in September. Warrington admits it was ‘a rash decision’, and is now calling for a Leigh Wood rematch and other big fights.
Josh Warrington Makes Retirement U-Turn
Two-time world featherweight champion Josh Warrington has made his intentions of fighting on very clear.
Although Warrington put his gloves down in the centre of the ring after his unanimous decision loss to Anthony Cacace at Wembley Stadium in September, the ‘Leeds Warrior’ admits it was ‘a rash decision’ and definitely wants to continue fighting.
The fighting pride of Leeds has lost his last three consecutive fights, but each were against the top fighters in the division. Losses to Luis Alberto Lopez, Leigh Wood and Anthony Cacace are no disgrace, hence why Warrington is going back on his decision to retire after sitting down with his team.
“I laid my gloves down in the ring, [but] it felt like a rash decision,” Warrington explained in a recent interview with DAZN.
“I thought, with my frustrations that I couldn’t get going that maybe it’s not there. I’m always critical. I can be winning a fight and think I’m not doing good enough.
“After analysing it, and watching back with my team, I still think there’s enough there to compete at the highest level, and to win as well. Physically, I feel good,” concluded the Yorkshireman.
It is evident that Josh Warrington isn’t done just yet. But who can he fight next and which fights make sense for 2025?
Warrington Calls For Leigh Wood Rematch In 2025
One fight that Josh Warrington really wants is a rematch with Leigh Wood. Wood and Warrington fought back in 2023, with the Nottingham man getting the better of the fight with a seventh round knockout. However, Warrington was well ahead on the cards and still disputes the referee’s call to stop the fight.
With Wood also without an opponent and not having fought since then, it seems the pair could have a rematch in 2025. The ‘Leeds Warrior’ has expressed his desire to run it back with Wood, claiming the pair have unfished business:
“I know there’s another fighter who’s been inactive. We’ve already had a dance in the past. I don’t feel like he’s got a fight, so it would make sense.
“If we’re talking about domestic fights and big fights for the UK, then I think that’s one right there. We’ve got a bit of history, and it’s appealing for the boxing fans.
“Something like that would make sense. If not, we’ll look elsewhere. But I’ll sit down with everyone else around and see where we go,” said the 34-year-old.
Although the Leeds man seemingly retired in the ring after his defeat to Anthony Cacace at Wembley Stadium in September, his sights are now fully set on continuing his career. Warrington knows that he still has some big nights left before exiting on his own terms:
“I’m still here, and I’d like to finish on a high. But I also want to be in fights that people want to see. As I said, there’s a fight right there with Leigh Wood.”
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