Josh Warrington admits his fight with Luis Alberto Lopez could be his last fight at Leeds Arena. The Leeds United supporter has had a number of bouts take place at the venue over the years, including his win to reclaim the IBF featherweight title fight against Kiko Martinez.
Warrington suffered a broken jaw in the bout with the Spaniard but has now fully recovered, ready to take on Alberto Lopez at the First Direct Arena on Saturday December 10.
“So we are back at the Leeds Arena, back for the 12th and potentially final time,” said Warrington. “I’m very excited to be back in Leeds. I started the year very well with a sensational 7th round stoppage against Kiko Martinez to recapture my IBF belt and now finishing the end of the year defending my belt to my mandatory who’s a tough Mexican and has waited a long time to fight me.
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“It’s going to be a hard fight, he comes forward, he’s wild and erratic, I’ve got history with Mexican fighters, but I’m hoping to put on a great performance in front of my home crowd. I’ve been saying it for so long about going over to the States and fighting in a unification fight.
"That’s the dream but due to delays with injuries to my jaw and hand I have to fight my mandatory now. I’m fully focused on doing a job, getting the show closed early and finishing 2022 with a bang.”
Lopez, who has 26 wins, 15 by knockout, and two wins on his resume, is no stranger to fighting in the UK having stopping Isaac Lowe in an eliminator clash in London in December. The 29-year-old Mexican has stayed busy while waiting for his shot at the title with stoppage wins in April and August.
He'll head to Leeds with the hopes of emulating Mauricio Lara's KO win against Warrington in February 2021. “I remember, not too long ago, when a Mexican fighter knocked Josh out in his country,” said Alberto Lopez.
“On December 10, in his hometown, I am going to silence his fans. The IBF Featherweight title will return to Mexico. I dedicate this fight to the Mexican people and everyone from my hometown of Mexicali. This one’s for you, and Josh, enjoy that belt while you still have it.”
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