It was an electric atmosphere at the First Direct Arena on Saturday night as Josh Warrington reclaimed his IBF world title crown in front of a fervent home crowd. He walked out alongside Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling to the sound of 'Marching on Together' and with Kalvin Phillips also in the crowd he celebrated with a nod to his heroes.
When Ayling celebrated with a forward roll against Wolves in last Friday's dramatic 3-2 win little did he think it would be replicated by a world champion boxer. When the referee stopped the fight, the immediate reaction of the 31-year-old was to launch into a roly poly to celebrate the win in a manner akin to Ayling's moves at Molineux on March 18.
The Leeds Warrior was bouncing back from a difficult 2021 and flew out of the blocks, causing huge damage to his opponent and managing to cut both eyes of the Spaniard which raised concerns of the doctors. However, it was a professional showing from Martinez who rallied back into the fight and looked dangerous at times.
READ MORE: Warrington vs Martinez fight night LIVE updates
While it looked as though Martinez was capable of landing a hammer blow at any stage, the emotion of the crowd spurred the Leeds man forward as he landed a seventh round barrage to claim the IBF Featherweight championship of the world. Next up for Warrington could be a unification fight with Leigh Wood which would be a tantalising prospect for British boxing fans.
After the fight Warrington paid tribute to the home support, he said in the post-fight interview with DAZN: "We might not do the same numbers as the big boys - the AJs and the Furys - but I’d rather have an arena full of these lot than a 100,000 tourists any day of the week.
"There is no place like this in the world, never mind the country. I know I’m not everybody’s favourite cup of tea - Yorkshire tea - but when I’m on it and these turn out, there’s nothing like it in the world. We do alright and we’re not bad. Love you Leeds.”
