Josh Warrington defends his IBF featherweight title for the third time when he takes on Sofiane Takoucht this evening.
Warrington had been eager for unification bouts at 127 lbs but was left frustrated with WBA and WBO champions Leo Santa Cruz and Oscar Valdez vacating their belts to move up in weight.
While later down the line there is the compelling possibility of a meeting with US sensation Shakur Stevenson, who challenges for the WBO title later this month, for now he settles for little-known Frenchman Takoucht who is out to cause a major shock.
Warrington won his world title after beating Lee Selby in May 2018, defending the title in a war with Carl Frampton last December before a hard-fought win over mandatory challenger Kid Galahad in May.
Warrington will be the hometown fighter once again and is set to be joined by Leeds United’s Pablo Hernandez on his ringwalk.
Date, UK start time and venue
Warrington vs Takoucht takes place at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday 12 October.
Ringwalks are expected at around 10:30pm.
TV channel and live stream
The fight will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 1 with the undercard action beginning at 7:30pm.
Takoucht will be fighting professionally in the UK for the first time in his career.
BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match online via the video player and the BT Sport app.
Betting tips via Betfair Exchange | UK users only | Subject to change
- Warrington to win: 1/33
- Takoucht to win: 35/1
- Draw: 45/1
Prediction
Warrington should really be testing himself against another elite featherweight name but circumstances mean he has little option but to take the Takoucht fight.
Takoucht has three defeats in 39 professional fights - all coming on the judges' scorecards. Warrington will be confident of a majority decision win on the night.
Undercard
- Zelfa Barrett vs Jordan Mccorry
- Michael Ramabeletsa vs Jack Bateson
- Lyndon Arthur vs Emmanuel Anim
- Troy Williamson vs Nav Mansouri
