The talk has now been talked ahead of Saturday night’s IBF world featherweight title clash between the champion Josh Warrington and his mandatory challenger Kid Galahad at the FD Arena, live on BT Sport.

The final press conference took place earlier today and below are selected quotes from the media gathering in Leeds.

Francis Warren

“The fight against Lee Selby was voted IBF Fight of the Year and I fully expect the Carl Frampton one to be named the same at the next convention, and rightly so.

Saturday’s fight will be another cracker because Josh isn’t in boring fights. Josh brings it with non-stop pressure and, with the best fans in the world behind him, it makes it a very intimidating place to come.

The fight at Elland Road was unbelievable and one of my favourite nights in boxing. It will go down as one of the special ones in British boxing history.

People say Ricky Hatton united a city, but Leeds is already behind Josh and is a city united.”

Dominic Ingle

“The atmosphere is not really a factor when you have been in this situation before and I have been involved in maybe 60 or 70 world title fights. Josh and his dad have been in about two or three, so it is down to experience.

But what you have done in the past is not going to be a reflection of what you do in the future and I think a good example of that is Anthony Joshua the other weekend.

It doesn’t matter if Josh Warrington had a great fight against Lee Selby, or a great fight against Carl Frampton, it has no bearing on how Kid Galahad is going to fight him because he is completely different to those two guys.

Kid Galahad is a different proposition. Everybody backed those two against Josh and everybody considered them to be the better fighter, but Josh Warrington came through. That is where we are now, everybody thinks Josh Warrington is going to win this fight because he is the champion and the better fighter. But he has been in the same position in his last two fights and look what happened. That is what is going to happen to Kid Galahad.

He is coming up against an unbeaten prospect, not like Carl Frampton or Lee Selby, he is against somebody with the same kind of determination as him. When you come up against somebody who consistently trains day in, day out, you are up against a different kind of fighter.

That is what Josh Warrington is going to get on Saturday night. Kid Galahad has got that hunger, it is not about money, it is about winning the fights and he is not going to be happy until he has had six or seven defences of his title.”

Sean O’Hagan

“I was alright until he started going on about hunger – and now I am hungry! I’ve had nowt since 7am this morning.

I think we have put 20 years of work in and he is making it sound like we are going to turn it all in on Saturday and give it all up.

He knows that’s not the case. The fact Josh as bought a house doesn’t mean we are going to turn up and think it is our god-given right – Dominic knows that. He keeps going on about him having nothing, but I don’t remember us having a corner shop when we was kids, so he was off to a good start there, to be fair.

We’ve always fought and worked hard for everything and I can assure you we are not about to give that up on Saturday night. Everybody goes on about underdogs and who is favourite or not. I don’t think that comes into it, you turn up on night and do what you do.

There has been no complacency whatsoever in this camp and we have done what we do in every camp.

Barry is a good fighter and he is here on merit as mandatory, so we prepare for him like we have done for everybody else. Perhaps more because we do want to beat him a bit more than everybody else.”

Kid Galahad

“I’m feeling good, training has gone well and all the talking is done. Just a few more sleeps and that belt is coming back to Sheffield. I just know, it is destiny and I have been dreaming about this all my life.

I have always known I would fight Josh as a professional and I just can’t wait now.

The last thing Brendan Ingle gave me was a tee-shirt from when Naz fought Boom Boom Johnson for the IBF title. It is destiny. I was very close to Brendan and I spent most of my time with him. If it wasn’t for him I would probably be locked up or dead. When I do win he will be watching me. When that title is around my waist he will be smiling up above.

I don’t really fear much about Josh. He is a good fighter but I believe I have sparred better fighters than him in the past like Linares, Ricky Burns, Kell Brook – the list goes on. They keep going on about him beating Lee Selby and Carl Frampton, but I have sparred better kids than he has boxed.

Sparring is actually harder than the fight in my opinion.”

Josh Warrington

“The support has been fantastic as always. We’re here and I can’t wait to go at the end of a long camp. I am hungry and I can’t wait for Saturday. It has been a busy few weeks listening to Barry and his team, but let’s get one thing clear. The hunger has not died one little bit.

Because my lifestyle has changed over the last year or so does not mean I am about to roll over and let me title go away. It is my title by merit, I won it fair and square and no-one is coming to Leeds and taking it off me.

I’ve set myself little goals about unifying the division and I am not looking at Barry as someone who is getting under my skin anymore. I am just looking at him as an opponent, I’ve got to get through him then we go Stateside for big world title fights.

For Dom to say I have lost my hunger… He doesn’t know owt about me and it is stupid for him to assume the hunger and desire is not there. In this camp I have given my all.

For Barry to say sparring is harder than fights is a load of b*llocks.

He can keep talking about it being his destiny and it sounds like he is saying the same things as me in my press conference against Lee Selby. It is not Barry’s time. The title will be staying here.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.
Leading super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock meet in a hotly anticipated clash for the Commonwealth title, with Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf also vying for the vacant Commonwealth super welterweight championship.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

This Saturday, June 15, ESPN+ will bring boxing fans an exclusive Top Rank Boxing triple-header, culminating with unbeaten lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury against top contender Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas.

The action starts on ESPN+ bright and early, at 6am ET when Australian twin brothers Andrew Moloney (19-0, 12 KO) and Jason Moloney (18-1, 15 KO) are both in action fromSeagulls Stadium, Tweeds Head, Australia. The 28-year-old twin rising stars, will both take the ring, as Jason (no. 6 in ESPN.com’s Bantamweight rankings) will defend his WBA Oceania Bantamweight title against Tanzania’s challenger Goodluck Mrema (23-4, 13 KO), while brother Andrew (ESPN.com’s no. 10 ranked Junior Bantamweight) faces offagainst former Tanzanian Champion Selemani Bangaiza (15-5, 5 KO). Andrew is coming off a significant victory in March, having demolished the highly rated Chilean Miguel Gonzalez on Gonzalez’ home turf in San Francisco de Mostazal.

At 3pm ET the action moves to England for a battle of unbeatens squaring off for the IBF Featherweight Championship, as defending champion Josh Warrington (28-0, 6 KO) and unbeaten challenger Kid Galahad (26-0, 15 KO) meet in Leeds.  Warrington (ranked no. 2 in ESPN.com’s Featherweight rankings) will be fighting in front of his hometown crowd and defending his title for the second time, having taken the title from Lee Selby in May 2018 and defended it in December in an intense clash with Carl Frampton. He faces Galahad (ranked no. 8 by ESPN.com), the mandatory challenger following an October defeat of Toka Kahn Clary in Boston. Born in Qatar, Galahad has lived most of his life in Sheffield, England, making this a Yorkshire Derby.

The big day of boxing culminates with Fury (27-0-1, 19 KO), the self-proclaimed “Gypsy King” and one of boxing’s most compelling fighters, meeting Schwarz at the MGM in Grand Las Vegas.  The fight marks the first in a multi-fight agreement announced in February, in which Fury’s fights are co-promoted by Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. Fury captured the lineal heavyweight title on Nov. 28, 2015, with a unanimous decision over longtime champion Wladimir Klitschko. That win catapulted him to worldwide fame, but a host of personal demons threatened to end his career before he could defend his title. He blew up to 400-plus pounds, only to author a 2018 comeback that ranks among the great redemption stories in sporting history. In the third fight of his comeback, Fury fought WBC champion Deontay Wilder to a disputed draw in a sensational fight of the year candidate.

The co-feature for the evening’s fight card will see a light heavyweight clash between former world title challengers Jesse Hart (25-2, 21 KO) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2, 14 KO). A full seven-bout undercard for the Fury-Schwarz fight will be carried live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, beginning at 7p.m. ET.

In just over a year since its launch, ESPN+ has already become a must-have destination for boxing fans, having already carried 21 exclusive world title fights, across 12 different weight classes and the four major sanctioning bodies (IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO).  ESPN+ also has thousands of hours of the greatest boxing matches of all time, on-demand, from the ESPN Big Fights Library and Top Rank Boxing Library.

TOP RANK ON ESPN+:  JUNE 15 BOXING SCHEDULE (all times ET)

* Undercard bouts carried live on ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes from 7-10 p.m.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

JOSH WARRINGTON is unimpressed by Kid Galahad in the build-up to this week’s big world featherweight title showdown.

Warrington makes the second defence of his IBF crown when he faces Galahad at the First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday night.

The champion is bristling with fury because mandatory challenger, Galahad (26-0, 15KOs) – whose real name is Barry Awad – is doing most of his talking on social media during the build-up.

The Sheffield man recently teased Leeds United fan Warrington over his side’s failure in the Championship Play-off against Derby County.

Warrington, 28, snapped: “I’m looking forward to sorting Barry out. He has talked a lot in the media and social media, but doesn’t say much when we go head-to-head on that front.

“The way he has gone about it during the build-up has been a bit cringey. He is in for hard night.

“I don’t know if he is trying to use a certain persona or be a certain character to get to me.”

Warrington (28-0, 6 KOs) will be making the second defence of his crown. He took the belt from Lee Selby last May and came through a war against Carl Frampton in December.

He claims to have seen a change in Galahad since his epic win against Selby in front of 25,000 fans at Elland Road.

“I have known Barry from the amateur days,” recalled Warrington who defeated Galahad twice when they were amateurs.

“I can even remember speaking to him at the Boxing Writers’ Club dinner in 2014 when we both nominated for young fighter of the year and he was right as rain.

“Over the last year this different person has come out, by disrespecting myself and other fighters in the division like Frampton.

“If he is trying to get under my skin it isn’t working and almost laughable, but it has given me more motivation to do a number.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.
Leading super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock meet in a hotly anticipated clash for the Commonwealth title, with Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf also vying for the vacant Commonwealth super welterweight championship.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Decorated amateur star John Joyce has signed professional terms with Frank Warren and will make his debut on the undercard of the Josh Warrington-Kid Galahad world title clash at the FD Arena in Leeds on June 15.

The 21-year-old from Moate in Ireland is a veteran of 200 fights as an amateur, during which time he became a nine-time Irish champion at junior level.

He also won bronze and gold medals at the European Schoolboys, before winning gold at the European Juniors and bronze and silver at the European Youth championships.

Although hailing from Ireland, Joyce has relocated to Airdrie in Scotland to prepare for his professional launch at super welterweight, working with respected trainer Billy Nelson.

“I’ve had the urge to turn to the professional side of the sport for the last couple of years and now that I have, I’ve learnt that this suits me so much better,” commented Joyce on his transition.

I’m a full-time boxer now and joining Billy and moving away to Scotland has been no problem. I train every day and I work hard in the gym every day and that is how I like it. I can focus on my boxing every day with Billy, so I believe it’s been a better move for me to moving to Scotland.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for me fighting on the undercard of Josh Warrington. Seeing what he has done and the fan base he has, I believe when I get myself in world contention I will be able to bring big nights of boxing to Ireland.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to have another top quality young fighter join forces with us and I firmly believe we currently have the most richly talented crop of prospects in the business on our books.

“The stage is all set for John to make a big impression and there is no better place for him to get started than in Leeds in front of a fervent crowd at the FD Arena.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.
Leading super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock meet in a hotly anticipated clash for the Commonwealth title, with Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf also vying for the vacant Commonwealth super welterweight championship.

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

JOSH WARRINGTON has no interest in meeting Kid Galahad for a drink after their big world title fight even if they are all hugs after the final bell.

Galahad (26-0, 15KOS) claims he has no life outside of boxing and is “married” to the noble art.

Warrington (28-0, 6KOS) insists that his mandatory challenger will need to find outside interests after he defends his IBF featherweight title against his fellow Yorkshireman at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday June 15.

The champion is the polar opposite of Galahad and when he isn’t in the gym forgets about boxing by spending time with his wife and one-year-old twins.

Warrington teased: “He is pretty boring. You wouldn’t wanna go out for a pint with him, would you? He’d have nothing to say.

“Everyone is different. That might suit him, living like a monk but I think you need to have a switch off from boxing because it is constantly there.

“You might think you’re always hungry, but it is during that little bit of time away living life when you realise there is a little bit more hunger for boxing in there.

“My way of going about it has done me all right. I’m a family man, I like to socialise with my pals and enjoy life.

“When I’m at home, I switch off and boxing gets left at the door. I go home to my little girls and I’m daddy and want to make my wife happy that’s me.

“When I come to work in the gym it is learning.  I give it 100%, and train like a world champion should.”Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

London, UK (25 May 2019) With Channel 5 cameras rolling live, the slick and super savvy southpaw resurfaces from an anonymous five year stint in the rough and tough finishing schools of Mexico City and Toronto to flaunt his considerable wares in a tasty 12 round international tear-up against  Slovakian beast Martin ‘Cracker’ Parlagi. 

‘When I review my career, later in life, I intend to have been involved in big fights. I expect to become a world champion and a great fighter,’ declares the 27 year old Southampton University law graduate.

‘Early in my career, I saw others focussing more on selling tickets than developing as fighters. So I fled to educate myself at boxing’s best ‘universities’ in Mexico City. I sparred several world champions including the great Juan Manuel Marquez.

‘Now, thanks to Mick (Hennessy, his new manager-promoter), I return to Britain as a potential bill-topper. I believe Mick has already pencilled in a few more statement fights for this year and I trust him to deliver ‘good and often’. 

‘My mum and brother who are very important to me are both here (Dad passed away when Alex was very young) and boxing is booming in Britain right now. In terms of support and interest, if not talent, it’s probably the world leader. The British sell out stadiums.’

Dilmaghani is not shy of stating his ambitions, he wants the big showdowns and is prepared to drop down to 126lbs to face leading domestic names Carl Frampton and the winner out of Josh Warrington’s fight against Kid Galahad.

He said, “I’m back on these shores now and I’m campaigning to fight the best in the country and that’s the trio of Frampton, Warrington and Galahad.  I feel I’m ready now to be let off the leash against them and the thought of fighting any of them gets my juices flowing.  I’m in the business to fight the best and to prove myself so I’ll have to force myself into the mix, but I’m confident in my abilities and know I could handle any of them.”

The Iranian descendant first entered the professional ranks at the age of just 17 and with negligible amateur breeding.

‘I’d always been a real student of the game, reading books about the old-time greats like Sam Langford, Jack Johnson and Charley Burley. But I never got actively involved. The nearest gym was some way away and, besides, I enjoyed my food!’ quips the 5ft 8in contender who is now coached by the upwardly-mobile Lee Wilkins at the Body Shots Gym in Crayford.

‘I finally started at the Whitehawk ABC in Brighton when I was away at university. I only had a handful of amateur fights but won them all bar one when I was blatantly, blatantly robbed. Though I was only 17, Ronnie Davies (long-time coach to the Eubank clan) told me I was more than good enough to go pro.’ 

With one sole early points loss in career, he has remained undefeated in eight years and 14 fights since, expanding his global fan club with five wins in Mexico and a further seven in Canada. So what can U.K fans expect from his homecoming this weekend?

‘I compare myself to (Hall of Fame ex world light-middle champ)Winky Wright. Aggressive yet defensive minded. It’s not just because I’m relatively academic but I’ve developed a good boxing brain,’ claims Dilmaghani who has stopped four of his last six.

‘I’m an all-rounder. Very quick with a great chin. I’ve never been close to getting knocked down. And I fully respect the sport. Boxing is like a prison term. I’ve learned to live the life. Eat right, avoid idiots.’ 

Though heavyweight Hughie Fury formally headlines Saturday’s card, ace Alex intends to be the name on everyone’s lips once the duelling is done.

‘Every time I step between the ropes, it’s my intention to impress,’ says Dilmaghani.

‘Parligi brings a good amateur pedigree and has had a lot of pro fights, more wins than me. I’ve studied tapes and he’s a rough, tough operator but, trust me, I tamed plenty of those over in Mexico!

‘Boxing is a nasty, dangerous business so I always wish the opposition good health but whatever Martin brings I’ll have the answer for.  I have everything over him; speed, technique, stamina, youth…

‘I expect to put on a fantastic show and probably stop him. I train way, way too hard for opponents to last the 12 round distance with me!’

JOSH WARRINGTON HAS stated his ambition to win a coveted Ring Magazine belt once he has dealt with mandatory business against Yorkshire rival Kid Galahad on June 15 at the FD Arena in Leeds.

The Leeds Warrior claimed the IBF portion of the world featherweight pie when he defeated Lee Selby in May of last year and subsequently made a stunning first defence against two-weight world champion Carl Frampton in December.

While he would have loved for those fights to lead straight into a unification clash against Oscar Valdez (WBO), Leo Santa Cruz (WBA) or Gary Russell (WBC), a mandatory challenger has been placed in front of him in the shape of Sheffield’s Galahad, who he fought twice and beat as a junior amateur.

There is currently no love lost between the pair, so we should be in for an explosive affair in Warrington’s Leeds fortress, but he still admits to longingly keeping tabs on the activity of the likes of Valdez and Santa Cruz with a view to sharing a ring with the Mexicans.

“Yes of course, because that is the goal I have set myself and it just comes with the territory,” he confessed, explaining that fighting the other champions is a logical chain of events after winning a world title. “When I used to have the goal of being a world champion, Lee Selby was the one I targeted and, when I fought Dennis Ceylan in the final eliminator I couldn’t look past that fight, but subconsciously I knew that he was there after.

“This is the same, I am at the stage now where I have won a world title and did it against the very best in the division in this country and now I have got to fight my mandatory. You want to fight the other champions though to be the best in the division in the world.

“I am ranked No.2 by the Ring magazine and Santa Cruz is No.1. I’ll tell you what, I’d love one of those Ring magazine belts! That is the goal now and it is all building blocks.

“Beating Barry will bring me closer to unifying the division and getting one of those belts.”

Warrington, who thrives on a tear-up, admits the thought of going hell for leather ferociously exchanging punches with the likes of Valdez or Santa Cruz truly floats his boat.

“Oh man, it gives me a hard on thinking of standing toe to toe with them, going at it hammer and tong, like me and Frampton did in the first two or three rounds of our fight. It is a exciting, like being a kid watching the big fights, it is hairs standing on back of the neck territory.

“That is what I can be part of now. I can make those memories, I can make that history and that is what it is about now. It is about giving the fans good nights and something they can talk about for a long time.”Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

DOMINIC INGLE has accused Josh Warrington of beating Carl Frampton and Lee Selby when the pair were on the slide.

Warrington (28-0, 6KOs) took the IBF featherweight title from Selby in a huge upset 12 months ago and surprised Frampton in December in his first defence.

Next up is Ingle trained mandatory challenger, Kid Galahad (26-0, 15KOs) at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday June 15.

Warrington is the favourite to retain his crown in his backyard, but Ingle insists that the champion will be shocked by his Sheffield rival.

Ingle said: “Warrington has had success with Frampton and Selby by jumping on them full steam ahead and they have been unable to keep him off.

“Maybe that is down to Selby and Frampton being past the sell-by date.

“I think Galahad has got more ambition than Selby and Frampton. Those results complimented Warrington.

“What he has with Galahad is a kid who is unbeaten, fresh, and fought himself into the mandatory position by going over to Boston and beating Toka Kahn Clary.

“Josh beat up a washed up Dennis Ceylan in his final eliminator, we went into someone’s back yard and won it.

“Galahad is very controlled and precise. The accuracy will keep Warrington off. He can’t keep walking into those type of shots and that is basically what Warrington is going to do.

“He is going to box the same way he has always had success at and hope for the best.

“But, for once he is getting someone who is fitter than him, fresher than him who can box and slow that pace down.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

Leading super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock meet in a hotly anticipated clash for the Commonwealth title, with Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf also vying for the vacant Commonwealth super welterweight championship.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

KID GALAHAD has taken to social media to taunt his rival Josh Warrington after Warrington’s beloved Leeds United were defeated by Derby County last night in the Play-Off semi final.

Leeds were a goal to the good after the first leg of the Play-Off semi-final but succumbed to a devastating 4-2 home defeat and have now missed out on a place among English Football’s elite in the Premier League.

Galahad, 26-0, posted a picture on his official twitter page of LUFC star Stuart Dallas laying on the ground in disappointment after losing the game and captioned it with a ‘look’ emoji, highlighting the heartbreaking loss for Leeds United and no doubt for Josh Warrington.

Sheffield’s Galahad will be looking to inflict another upset defeat for Leeds fans on June 15 at the First Direct Arena when he attempts to dethrone local hero Josh Warrington and become the IBF World Featherweight Champion.

Warrington had earlier predicted a Leeds United win and will not have taken kindly to Galahad’s online taunts.

It’s been a spicy build up to one of the most anticipated fights of 2019 and this latest development will only add more fuel to the fire.

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

Leading super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock meet in a hotly anticipated clash for the Commonwealth title, with Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf also vying for the vacant Commonwealth super welterweight championship.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

JOSH WARRINGTON IS backing his beloved Leeds United to book a trip to Wembley and ultimately make a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Leeds are a goal to the good against Derby County after the first leg of the Play-Off semi-final and will be bidding to take the next step tonight towards a Championship final against Aston Villa on May 27, Bank Holiday Monday.

Whether Warrington himself will be heading down Wembley Way remains to be seen, with the big match falling just a couple of weeks before his big fight against Kid Galahad at the FD Arena in Leeds on June 15, where he will be making a second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against his mandatory challenger from Sheffield.

“We gonna do it and we’ll do it the hard way, that is what Leeds do,” said the local hero known as the ‘Leeds Warrior’. “People will think that the wheels have fallen off and will write us off but we’re gonna do it. Believe, believe.

“It will be us and Villa in the final and it will all be sorted on Play-Off day at Wembley, where it will be 3-1 to Leeds. You heard it here first.”

Warrington is convinced the city are in for a double celebration after he gets to grips with Galahad and retains his cherished title that he won in the middle of the pitch at Elland Road with his dismantling of former champion Lee Selby.

“Me and the players will be on the p*ss after! There will be some celebrations after we both get a convincing win.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

Leading super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock meet in a hotly anticipated clash for the Commonwealth title, with Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf also vying for the vacant Commonwealth super welterweight championship.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

KID GALAHAD enters his world title challenge against Josh Warrington knowing it will be his one and only shot at becoming one of boxing’s elite, according to trainer Dominic Ingle.

The Sheffield slickster challenges for Yorkshire rival Warrington’s IBF featherweight championship at First Direct Arena Leeds on Saturday June 15.

Warrington (28-0, 6 KOs) will be making the second defence of his crown. He won his treasured belt against Lee Selby last May and then came through a war against Carl Frampton.

Galahad (26-0, 15 KOs) has struggled to get big fights and had to become mandatory contender for Warrington’s title to get his crack at the big prize.

Ingle knows his man is avoided and says: “Kid Galahad is never gonna get another chance. He has got to capitalise. It is a do or death situation for Kid Galahad.

“He is never going to get the breaks, he has never had a promoter behind him and still managed to get into the mandatory position.

“That says something about his ability and focus, determination and relentlessness. He has got the same mental make-up as Johnny Nelson.

“He has never had it easy and got in this position himself. Others we had in the gym have fallen by the wayside but he has learnt from them.

“We have had fighters who shone for a period of time like Naseem Hamed, Ryan Rhodes and to a lesser degree Junior Witter.

“They have got into the position of being a world champion, but it’s whether you can maintain it once you’re there.

“The thing with Galahad is that he has no responsibilities – he isn’t married, no children and no safety net.

“If he loses he has nowhere to go on the Sunday morning after the fight. Josh can go home have a cuddle from his wife, see his kids and think; ‘I’ve had a good run and got a few quid’. He can console himself with that.

“There will be no consolation for Kid Galahad. The only consolation for him will be waking up on Sunday morning with the belt. That is where the determination comes in.

“Everything to him is boxing he has nothing else. It is his life.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf meet for the vacant Commonwealth super-welterweight championship.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Zelfa Barrett, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

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JOSH WARRINGTON MAKES a second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against mandatory challenger Kid Galahad at the FD Arena in Leeds on June 15 and a number of the supporting acts to this huge main event can now be revealed.

English super featherweight champion Zelfa Barrett will have his second fight – his first being this weekend in Oldham – since recovering from an Achilles injury that has kept him out of the ring since June of last year.

Barrett, 20-1, will be bidding to firmly re-establish himself amongst the leading super feathers in the country and will work towards potential showdowns against the likes of British champion Sam Bowen, WBO European title holder Archie Sharp and Lyon Woodstock, who made a winning return in March after being defeated on points by Sharp.

Barrett will be joined on the bill by gym-mate Lyndon Arthur, 14-0, who is looking to gatecrash the burgeoning light heavyweight scene headed up domestically by mandatory world title challenger Anthony Yarde.

‘King Arthur’, who has been the executor of 11 KOs from his 14 professional fights, is a former Team GB international amateur who believes he should be considered alongside Yarde and his former GB teammate Joshua Buatsi as a formidable future force in the division.

The Team GB squad is further represented on the card by Jack Bateson, the 24-year-old featherweight who joins Josh Warrington in flying the flag for Leeds on the bill. Bateson is 9-0 since turning professional and has twice previously featured on Warrington undercards.

The ‘Trojan’, Troy Williamson will also feature at the FD Arena, with the explosive middleweight from Darlington closing in on title contention. The 27-year-old former GB star is currently 9-0-1 as a pro (6KOs) and is scheduled to target a tenth win in Newcastle in early May ahead of his Leeds date.

Middleweight banger Mark Heffron is back on BT Sport business, with the 27-year-old having put his British title defeat to Liam Williams behind him last month with a points victory over Serge Ambomo in his home town of Oldham.

Kid Dynamite has amassed a record of 22-1 with 17 of his wins coming via KO and the former WBC International champion will be looking to restore himself towards title contention in Leeds.

A third professional fight awaits Tommy Fury in Leeds, with the 19-year-old light heavyweight having impressed in his two victories to date, while Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson will enter into his fourth fight, with his third taking place at the SSE Arena, Wembley this weekend on his first appearance under the Queensberry Promotions banner.

Liverpool middleweight Jack McGann (2-0-1) and Formby heavyweight Alex Dickinson (10-0) also feature on the card, with further title fights to be announced in the near future.

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BRITISH boxing great Ricky Hatton has warned Josh Warrington that he faces the fight of his life against Kid Galahad.

Warrington makes the second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against mandatory challenger, Galahad at the First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday June 15.

Hatton says Warrington’s huge army of hometown fans face a nerve jangling night when Sheffield’s Galahad gets his long-awaited world title tilt.

“This fight is as tough as they come and hard to call,” says former world super-lightweight and welterweight champion, Hatton.

‘The Hitman’ has seen Galahad from close quarters in the gym when he took boxers to spar with Galahad (26-0) and his gym-mates at the Wincobank gym.

Hatton added: “I used to take Zhanat Zhakiyanov who was WBA bantamweight champion to spar Kid Galahad. I saw then that Galahad can really fight.

“This really is a tough fight, but since Josh became world champion I think he has warmed to it.

“It’s a very good fight and you’ve got to heap all the praise on Josh Warrington.”

Warrington (28-0) caused an upset when he defeated Lee Selby 11 months ago to become world champion, and was the underdog again when he made a successful first defence against Carl Frampton.

Hatton said: “Champions are judged on how good they are by the fighters they faced. Josh has beaten Lee when he was the underdog and Carl, a multiple world champion.

“Now, he is in with another quality fighter, Kid Galahad.

“His confidence has gone up another couple of gears since becoming a world champion. He is coming off the fight against Frampton and you won’t see many better fights in a boxing ring.

“He is on the crest of a wave and while your confidence is up you might has well face these people like Kid Galahad because it needs to be up.”

Although Hatton is full of admiration for Warrington, he believes that Galahad may have more natural talent than the defending champion.

Hatton explained: “Josh has a very high work rate, he doesn’t leave you alone. Look at the Frampton fight, Carl was the better boxer and judge of distance, but Josh took that away from him.

“That is what you do with fighters who have more talent. Take the talent away – bully them, rush them and keep on top.

“I think he will employ similar tactics against Kid Galahad who is very, very talented. Josh has got a very good boxing brain and he is going to need it against Kid Galahad.

“Kid Galahad is very talented, but sometimes people with the most talent don’t win. It is about the right tactics and game plan.

“That is why I pick Josh ever so slightly, but this fight is tough.”

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AHEAD OF THEIR hugely anticipated World Title clash in June, champion Josh Warrington and mandatory challenger Kid Galahad faced off at the home of Leeds United yesterday.

Warrington (28-0) will be roared on by his hometown fans at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF world featherweight title against Galahad on Saturday June 15.

During half time of yesterday’s Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday game, the unbeaten Leeds and Sheffield featherweights came face to face for the first time since the press conference to announce their fight back in March.

At the first press conference face off, it was Warrington who felt he left with the upper hand as he was able to cause a noticeable flinch from the Dominic Ingle trained Galahad (26-0) when he leaned in slightly with his head.

This time, there was no flinching and no words from Galahad as Warrington continued to taunt his Yorkshire rival.

He said: “Do you fancy me or something? You can’t take your eyes off me!” as Galahad refused to break his gaze.

As the thousands of fans in attendance began chanting that Warrington should knock Galahad out, Warrington continued to goad Galahad and warned “On June 15th they will get their wish!”

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KID GALAHAD admits he must beat Josh Warrington or his world title hopes will be destroyed forever.

Warrington (28-0) will be roared on by his hometown fans at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF world featherweight title against Galahad on Saturday June 15.

Sheffield’s Galahad has been a professional since September 2009 and finally became mandatory challenger for Warrington last October when he beat Toka Kahn Clary.

There is a perception that his awkward style makes him an avoided man and Galahad (26-0) knows few champions will fancy him as a future opponent whatever the outcome against Warrington.

He said: “This is everything and 100 per-cent, I am going to leave it all in that ring.

“Not matter what I do, I am going to bring that belt back with me. I know I am not going to get a second chance.

“Things have happened to me, but I have stayed focused. With this opportunity I am not going to let it slip out of my hands.

“Josh knows he can get another chance. After I beat him his promoter will get him a rating and he might fight Carl Frampton in a rematch and the winner could fight Oscar Valdez.”

“I was banned in 2014 for 18 months and when I got back boxing it took a bit of time to get going, but that is in the past and we’re here in 2019.

“We’re closing in on this world title and we’re gonna hold it as long as we can.”

Warrington was the underdog when he took the title from Lee Selby last May and successfully defended against Carl Frampton in December.

The Leeds man will be the bookies’ favourite in his hometown, but Galahad insists those wins might not be the career defining triumphs some have painted.

Galahad says: “In 2018, Josh had a great year. He became a dad to twins, then beat Lee Selby and Carl Frampton.

“They say good things happen in three. 2019 is my year and his luck has ran out.

“I don’t believe it’s an easy fight. But style wise he knows, his dad knows and Frank knows that I am all wrong for him.

“At this moment Josh might be confident because he beat Selby and Frampton who he thinks are better than me, but when he gets in the ring he’ll wish he never took this fight.

“The timing for when he beat Selby and Frampton was perfect. Selby was struggling to make the weight and Carl hasn’t been the same for three or four years.

“I think Josh’s win over Selby was so much better than the Frampton win. I just believe he is fighting a strong featherweight who is in his prime and I believe in his head he knows what is going to happen.”

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KID GALAHAD has been getting tips on how to beat Josh Warrington from featherweight legend Naseem Hamed.

Mandatory contender Galahad challenges the IBF featherweight champion at First Direct Arena Leeds on Saturday June 15, after Warrington’s promoter Frank Warren won the purse bids.

Galahad (26-0, 15 KOs) was encouraged to box by Naz when he was a kid and sent him to the famous Ingle gym in Sheffield.

Now Naz is playing his part in causing the downfall of Warrington (28-0, 6 KOs), and is expected ringside on fight night supporting him.

Sheffield’s Galahad, 29, said: “I don’t want to go into too much detail, but Naz rang me, said a few things and I’ve taken them in.

“Naz would’ve loved facing someone like Josh and beaten him in no more than three rounds.

“It will last no more than six when I take Josh’s title.”

Warrington, 28, caused an upset when he won the title last May outpointing Lee Selby in front of 25,000 fans at Elland Road and in December beat Carl Frampton over 12 rounds in a classic first defence.

Galahad added: “Listen, he has two had good wins against Selby and Frampton.

“I sparred Lee when he boxed Josh and he was a completely different fighter. He was dead at the weight, but it is what is.

“I’ve got to give Josh credit and I expect him to be even better than those two performances, but I believe I am better than him in every single department.”

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BILLY JOE SAUNDERS suspects there is the genuine possibility of Josh Warrington overlooking the threat presented by his mandatory challenger Kid Galahad when the pair face each other with the IBF world featherweight title at stake at the FD Arena in Leeds on June 15.

Setting aside the natural bias Saunders might have for his former landlord, also known as Barry Awad, during his lengthy stint training at the Ingle Gym in Sheffield, the former middleweight world champion questions whether the Leeds man will summon up sufficient motivation for what is likely to be a highly-charged Yorkshire derby.

Saunders’ thinking is that, having chalked up such impressive victories over illustrious and favoured opponents in Lee Selby and Carl Frampton, will Warrington show the same desire against a challenger he twice defeated as an amateur and clearly doesn’t hold the highest regard for?

“Warrington is a brilliant fighter and he has had a couple of good performances but sometimes when you have a couple of good ones – I’ve been there and done it – your mind and everything else isn’t quite working the same,” considered Saunders, who returns to the ring to fight for the WBO Interim world super middleweight title against the No.1 ranked Shefat Isufi at Stevenage FC on May 18.

“He’s boxed Selby and Frampton and now he is looking at Barry thinking ‘oh it’s Kid Galahad, I beat him a couple of times’. Is that going to be decisive here, I don’t know.”

Saunders added that the will to win of his former sidekick, the also unbeaten Galahad, will be a key factor in the outcome, which he believes will result in a new champion being crowned.

“I think it is going to be a good fight but, for me, Barry has got a bit too much determination in him to lose. He has got that warrior code in him and I think he is going to do the job – I know he is going to do the job.”

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JOSH WARRINGTON HAS mocked the suggestion that his June 15 world title challenger Kid Galahad is an awkward customer in the ring.

The Yorkshire pair – Warrington from Leeds and Galahad hailing from Sheffield – will trade shots for the IBF featherweight belt at the FD Arena in Leeds and the world champion completely rejects the train of thought that the tricky approach of his mandatory challenger will present him with punching puzzles he is unable to solve.

“People talk about him being awkward… He is awkward if you f**king let him be!” scoffed the Leeds Warrior, who holds a perfect professional record of 28-0. “I don’t see him as awkward and we have already looked at ways we can nullify that.”

The 28-year-old continued by adding there is no supporting evidence to back up Galahad’s claim to be a featherweight force who will inflict a one-sided ‘beatdown’ to rip the title from its present owner.

“He isn’t an awkward fighter, he believes he is a super-strong this, that and the other. What are you going off? The muppets he has knocked over? The Eastern European taxi drivers… Come on man.

“I’ve proven that I can stand at the top level in terms of toe-to-toe, physicality as well. I don’t think he has, so we have yet to see, but I don’t think he is as strong as me. I don’t think any featherweight in the world is.”

Meanwhile, Warrington is also tiring of the notion that he is a sort of one-trick pony with the single asset of possessing long-life batteries; although he does acknowledge an upside in that his wider skillset is ignored by the opposition.

“People talk about me as if I just have this fantastic engine. Yeah, I do have a good engine, but it is a positive that they don’t look at what else I do too much and I know I can adapt.

“Lee Selby and Carl Frampton are two very different fighters and I was able to adapt, like I was on my road up to a world title, boxing different folk of different sizes and styles.

“I’m experienced and know how to do the 12 rounds well.”

A top quality undercard will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

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KID GALAHAD believes Josh Warrington’s feelings will be his downfall in their titanic world title clash at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday June 15.

Mandatory challenger Galahad has been playing mind games with the IBF world featherweight champion even since Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren won the purse bids and announced the fight.

Galahad (26-0) first claimed that Warrington’s Dad and trainer Sean O’Hagan won’t be able to handle his son getting beaten by his fellow Yorkshireman and might throw in the towel to save him.

Now Galahad has gone in two-footed on the champion who is making the second defence of the title he won against Lee Selby and defended against Carl Frampton in December.

Sheffield’s Galahad will walk into a pit of hate when he enters enemy territory in Leeds, but insists that Warrington (28-0) will fail to handle the pressure once his fists turn up the heat.

Galahad, 29, warned: “Emotions can get you seriously hurt and Josh is an emotional man. He always goes in there with his heart on his sleeve.

“When we get in there it is going to be a very exciting night for me. When we go in there people are going to expect a very even fight, but it’s going to be a one-sided beatdown.

“It is my destiny and I am here now and I am gonna rip that title from him in his home town.”

A top quality undercard will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

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JOSH WARRINGTON AND Kid Galahad came face to face in Leeds today to formally announce their IBF world featherweight title clash, set to take place on June 15 at the FD Arena in the champion’s home city.

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Below are selected extracts from the exchanges on the top table.

Frank Warren

Josh has beaten real good quality, top line fighters and done it in style. There is no doubt in my mind after beating Carl Frampton and Lee Selby that he is the best.

Santa Cruz and Valdez are the fights that he wanted, then this fight was ordered by the IBF and Kid Galahad got there obviously by his winning record and winning an eliminator that gave him mandatory position and I’m sure he is going to give all he can to take that title back to Sheffield, but I just feel that in fighting Josh he needs to step up quite a few bars to get to his level.

When Josh fought Selby, many journalists were calling Selby the best fighter in Britain and his last fight against Carl was the best fight I have seen in a British ring for a long, long time. Josh has got this engine that is unbelievable, with the amount of punches he throws and his tremendous fitness levels.

He has come through in style and not just nicked fights, he has won the fights emphatically. Josh was probably the unfancied guy in the division and his dad has done a great job in bringing him through and deserves all the accolades. Everybody in the trade knows that and the job Sean has done is a brilliant one.

Everybody has got respect for Dominic Ingle and he is a fantastic trainer who has done tremendously well and looks after a few fighters I promote. But, he will have to pull every stop out to get Kid here over the line. He is going to have to be something very special to beat this guy, because he is a special fighter.

Dominic Ingle

Naz (Naseem Hamed) had left the gym and we weren’t on particularly good terms with Naz, but he said to Barry that the only place to go if he wanted to become world champion was the Brendan Ingle gym in Sheffield – and that is where he ended up.

This fight on June 15 is going to represent 14 years of hard work we have put into it. Naz has been in to see Barry and made comments on Josh that I am not going to tell you, but he said some nice words to Barry and said to make sure he looks after his old belt when he gets it. I think Naz is going to be there on the night and it will be great if he is.

Did Sheffield United beat Leeds the other day? So it is one down, two to go – hopefully Leeds has got an ice hockey team we can beat.

We haven’t complained about the six week delay and we know he ain’t hurt his hand, but we don’t want to be beating a kid who is not fully prepared. He’s got an extra six weeks just to make sure he can get in shape. No excuses, no complaints, we want the best Josh Warrington on the night, that is what we want.

He’s got a good 12 weeks now and we know he’s been out and had a bit of a party and eaten a bit too much.

Kid Galahad

I met Naz in a local mosque and he said to become world champion I need to go and find the Ingle gym. It has been 14-15 years since then, training every day and being hard at it. We are finally here.

I knew the IBF are very strict so I knew this fight would be on. Frank said I was right at the bottom of the list, but look where I am now at the top of the list. There were a lot of complaints from his team about things and complaining about the 35 per cent split.

It doesn’t matter, does it? It is my destiny and I am here now and I am gonna rip that title from them in his home town. All the noise just comes with the territory. If you want to be a champion, this is what you’ve got to do.

Sean O’Hagan

I like him and I’ve known Barry a long time. We’ve crossed paths before and quite rightly because he is a professional but, to be fair, he should have stayed as an amateur. And I say that with the greatest of respect, I just think this is too big a step for him, I really do.

Saying that doesn’t mean we’ll be taking this lightly because we’ll be training like we are the challenger, like we always do. So we won’t hold anything back, we won’t be taking it lightly, we’ll just prepare as we always do and that is one hundred per cent focused and switched on. Then coming away: ‘And still’.

I promise you I will be bringing the very best Josh Warrington on that day.

Josh Warrington

We had some year last year, didn’t we, with two massive fights and two massive occasions. You’ve got to give it to Barry and how daft he is. B*ll*cks to his destiny. You make your bed and lie in it and you’re gonna get it on the night, simple as that.

I wanted to carry on with the journey and carry on winning belts and world titles by fighting the best in the division. Last year we had LEE SELBY and CARL FRAMPTON! Now we’ve got F**king Barry from Sheffield… You know what I mean. It just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

I want to go on and unify the division, I believe I am the best featherweight in the world and if you offered me Santa Cruz tomorrow I would take it, but as champion this is what you’ve got to do, you’ve got to defend your belt against all challengers and on June 15 Barry is in the way.

When you look at it and break it down, he is not as awkward as people make out, only if you give him the time. Look as his level of opposition – he is stepping up a level here and I won’t find him awkward.

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JOSH WARRINGTON will make the second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against mandatory challenger Kid Galahad at the Leeds Arena on June 15th.

It will be a hometown return for Warrington in the all Yorkshire grudge match against his old amateur rival.

Warrington, 28, caused a big upset when he outpointed defending champion Lee Selby in front of 25,000 fans at Elland Road, home of his beloved Leeds United last May.

In December, he cemented his status as one of the boxing stars of 2018 with a thrilling points win against two weight world champion, Carl Frampton at Manchester Arena in his maiden defence.

Warrington (28-0) had being eyeing a unification clash against WBO champion, Oscar Valdez but the IBF ordered him to face Galahad and purses bids were won by the champion’s promoter, Frank Warren.

Galahad (26-0) was born in Qatar but lived in Sheffield for much of his life and learnt his skills under the tutelage of the late Brendan Ingle. He is now trained by Brendan’s son Dominic.

He became Warrington’s number one contender in October when he outpointed Toka Kahn Clary on his American debut in Boston in an IBF final eliminator.

Galahad, whose is also known as Barry Awad last boxed in December, easily outpointing Brayan Mairena over eight rounds.

Warrington, a former English, British, Commonwealth, European and WBC international champion boxed Galahad twice when they were amateurs winning both contests on points.

He said: “All of sudden people are saying I am capable of beating every featherweight in the world and with that comes expectation.

“I will go into this fight as the bookies’ favourite, but I will be 100 per-cent focused and looking to do a job.

“I knew Barry when we were amateurs and he was always a decent guy, but over the last few years he seems to have changed and put on some persona to blag fans, opponents or himself.

“He did well at super-bantamweight, but he has beaten nobody as a featherweight and he has lost respect from me for some of his antics.

“I want to be Ring Magazine champion, own all the belts and they are in touching distance. I can beat all the featherweights.

“I am concentrating purely on Barry, but after this I want one of the other world champions. I want champion after champion.”

Galahad won British, European, Commonwealth and international titles at super-bantamweight, and an IBF Intercontinental featherweight belt.

Galahad, 28, said: “Josh’s biggest asset is that people underestimate him and he is a lot better than what he looks.

“He’s strong, tough, durable and mentally strong, but I have the skill, will and mental toughness to beat him.

“He beat me fair and square when we were amateurs, but down the line I knew I would always fight him again. This is professional boxing, different game.

“Why am I the man to beat him? I know mentally that I am on a different level and I have the best team in British boxing.

“He is going to walk onto a shot, he is going to get hurt very badly and his dad who trains him will stop the fight because he will make an emotional decision and throw in the towel around round six, seven or eight.”

Warrington snapped back: “That prediction makes me giggle. It is funny how these scenarios get drawn up. He isn’t in touch with reality and talking daft. It is playground stuff.

“He can spout off what he likes, but when the first bell goes it will be me against him and we will see how special he and his team are then.”

BT Sport have the live and exclusive TV rights for Warrington v Galahad in the UK.

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Ryan Garner has been inspired by the recent Featherweight thriller between Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton and believes 2019 is his year.

The precocious 21-year-old from Southampton wants some boxing bling to accompany his obvious talent and is adamant that he wants to get into the belt business in 2019.

The Piranha, as he is otherwise known, enters into his ninth professional contest at the Morningside Arena in Leicester on February 23 to kick off a year he strongly suspects will be a defining one for him.

“Why is this year going to be my year?” said the spiteful punching featherweight. “Because this year I am going to be active and busy – and I believe I am going to win a title this year.

“I believe I am going to win something. Anything really, the English, the WBO European or Intercontinental, I just want to win one.”

Garner’s own train of thought is that his apprenticeship has been served and he is ready to participate in some genuine punch-ups against equally willing opponents.

“One hundred per cent, this is the year where I know myself – having been a pro for three years – that this is where I need to step up and face people of a much better level than I have been facing so far.

“So I need to keep my head focused, train my b*lls off and get myself ready.

“I think it will make me look even better and I will enjoy it. These people I have been fighting are half trying just to survive. It makes it harder sometimes.

“I think when people start throwing back that is when I will start stopping people even more because they will leave themselves open.”

Garner concedes that entering into open warfare in the ring is what he enjoys most and it is not something he is prepared to change, bar a little tightening of the defences. He is in the entertainment business and he knows it.

“Definitely, with my style it is always going to be an exciting fight and every fight I’ve had has been that way. It is just the way I am, I am front-foot, aggressive and I won’t change.

Those are my main attributes, my workrate and punch variety, but I need to do little things to not get hit as much so we are tweaking things.

“But my style is what makes me entertaining and you don’t want to take that away from me. It works for me and that is what people want to see on television. Look at the likes of Gatti who everybody wanted to watch.

“When I am fighting I want people to think ‘I’m going to watch that Ryan Garner because he is always in good fights’.

“I want to be in fights like the Warrington-Frampton one,” added the cherubic-looking pugilist, who confirmed that he definitely intends to campaign as a nine-stoner in his bid for honours.

“I am a featherweight, definitely. I was 9st 1lb for my last fight so I was only a bit over. With my nutritionist for my last fight it was the best I have felt going into it. I made the weight and felt totally fresh.”

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Josh Warrington won a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Carl Frampton to retain the IBF Featherweight title at The Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

Warrington came out like gangbisters and he threw and landed punches with reckless abandon.  Warrington dominated the first half of the fight with sheer volume.  Frampton showed a champions class as he fought his way back in the fight, and made it very tight on the scorecards bt landing right counters over the combinations of Warrington.

Warrington built up too much of a lead, and held on by scores of 116-113 and 116-112.

Warrington, 125.9 lbs of Leeds, UK is 28-0.  Frampton, 125.9 lbs of Belfast, IRE is 26-2

Liam Williams stopped previously undefeated Mark Heffron in round 10 of a scheduled 12 round middleweight fight.

In round two, Williams was cut over the right eye from a clash of heads.  Williams dominated the action as he will able to land his right hand at will.

In round two, Williams landed a big shot that drove Heffron into the ropes, which was ruled a knockdown.  Williams followed that up with an onslaught of punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:55

Williams, 159.9 lbs of Wales is 19-2-1 with 14 knockouts.  Heffron, 157.9 ls 21-1.

Hassan N’Dam won a 12-round majority decision over Martin Murray in a middleweight contest.

At the end of round four, Murray landed an overhand right that sent N’Dam down in the corner.  But N’Dam was able to survive that and box and move his way to a points victory by scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 114-114.

N’Dam, 157.9 lbs of France is now 37-3.  Murray, 159.9 lbs of England is 37-5-1.

Michael Conlan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jason Cunningham in a featherweight bout.

In round six, Conlan was deducted a point for a low blow, but Conlan dominated the action, and won by scores of 98-92 and 97-92 twice

Conlan, 125.9 lbs of Ireland is 10-0.  Cunningham, 124.9 lbs of England is 24-6.

On his performance against Cunningham

“I made some mistakes in there, but it was a learning experience. It was the first time I went 10 rounds. I felt comfortable in there going the distance, and I got the job done.”

“At the end of the day, it’s another win in the bank. I’m very happy.”

On almost finishing Cunningham in the 10th round

“I thought I had him going, but I couldn’t get him out of there. He did very well to survive. I hit him with some good shots, but he’s a smart fighter and he knew how to survive. If I had a couple more rounds, I think I could have had him out of there.”

On his 2018 campaign

“I’ve progressed. I’ve gone from prospect to contender. I still have a few questions to answer, but I’m happy with the way things are going.”

On what’s next

“I’m going to be back at Madison Square Garden on March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day. Then, we want to come back to Belfast in the summer with a fight in between. I’m not sure who is next, but I want to keep stepping up.”

Nathan Gorman remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a heavyweight bout.

Gorman, 238.1 lbs won by scores of 120-108 and 119-109 twice, and is now 15-0.  Cojanu, 273.1 lbs of Burbank, CA is now 16-5.

Tyson Fury’s brother, Tommy Fury made a successful pro debut with a decision win over trial horse Jevgenis Andrejevs.

Fury, 178.8 lbs won by  a 40-36 scores and is 1-0.  Andrejevs of Lativa is 10-103-3.

Also on the bill Mark Heffron (21-0) and Liam Williams (18-2-1) meet for the vacant British middleweight crown, Martin Murray risks his WBC silver middleweight title against former WBA champion Hassan N’Dam, unbeaten heavyweight Nathan Gorman (14-0) defends his WBC international silver belt against Razvan Cojanu (16-4) and Belfast’s Michael Conlan (9-0) fights in England in the first time and meets Jason Cunningham (24-5)

Making his debut on the bill will be the younger brother of Tyson Fury, a 19-year-old light-heavyweight.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s conference.

FRANCIS WARREN

“Josh v Carl is the best fight boxing has at the minute and this is the card of the year. It feels like we have been waiting forever since we announced it, but this potential fight of the year is here. Few can pick a winner and I can’t pick a winner. It is a great fight for a reason. Everyone is excited and it will be a fantastic night.”

JOSH WARRINGTON

“Carl has seen his a*se a bit with some stuff I have read but there are tensions when the fight gets close. I have been preparing for Carl at his prime and that excites me to graft my backside off. I have gained confidence and momentum from beating Lee Selby and I will find new levels this weekend. People say I should have had a steady defence, but I want the best and after this I’ll go to the States and fight Oscar Valdez.

CARL FRAMPTON

“I’m excited, relaxed and looking forward to a good tough fight. My nature is laid back and I will be until the ring walk. There is an edge and tension as it gets closer, but there is respect between us. I got a text message from a good friend and he said’ ‘total respect, but no fear’ and that is what this is. I believe I am better than ever because I was beating Leo Santa Cruz and Scott Quigg when I wasn’t enjoying boxing. I believe he is a very good fighter, but I beat any featherweight in the world on my day. The ambition is there more than ever because I have been written off. The fire is burning in me and people will see in a dog fight that I am not over the hill.

LIAM WILLIAMS

“I am a lot happier in myself and comfortable. There is no stone unturned and that is why I am happier. I am going to be British champion again on Saturday night. I was offered this fight and took it in one second. I am a lot more confident in my ability and can win a world title. I can fight and box. I have better all round ability. Mark is knocking people out but they have been crap opponents and just wanted the money. I am coming to win and can see fear in his eyes. Heffron is a bully.”

MARK HEFFRON

“He is talking crap and I am gonna knock him out. I am 100 per-cent the better all round fighter. Other than Liam Smith, who has he fought? He is gonna get his head punched in. I learnt from his Smith fights that he is a sh*tbag and a quitter. I’m gonna smash his nose all over his face. It’s a step up, but one of the easiest fights of my career.”

MARTIN MURRAY

“I know I am in the latter stages of my career but I have that buzz back and feel the best I have ever been. N’Dam is a tough fighter, fought world class fighters and will bring it on Saturday. It has taken me two and a half years to get back to a fight like this and I want to win in style. I’m one loss from retirement so I need to keep winning, but these fights I treat like a world title.”

HASSAN N’DAM

“We are not here to trash talk because boxing is a sport. I am working hard to take his belt and I will work hard to keep it. Martin is tough, world class and this is a hard fight, but I am going to enjoy it. I haven’t boxed in more than a year, but it was my decision not to fight because I wanted a new team and direction. I want go to super-middleweight and fight Chris Eubank Jr.”

NATHAN GORMAN

“Razvan is very tough, fought at a big level and I will need my A game. I was due to fight Alex Leapai and Razvan is a lot different. He is a lot better than Leapai. I am well prepared.”

RAZVAN COJANU

“Nathan is a different style to Daniel Dubois who I was due to fight last week. I have advantages over Nathan like my reach. I was a big fan of Nathan’s trainer Ricky Hatton so I better watch for the body shots. If I do what we’ve been doing in the gym we’ll be flying.

MICHAEL CONLAN

“Jason is tough, had experience, won two Commonwealth titles, but it is nothing I haven’t seen before. I have faced plenty of southpaws, know how to face them and I haven’t taken him lightly. I would love him to take me to the trenches and if he does, game over.

JASON CUNNINGHAM

“I am excited by this opportunity and I didn’t think twice to take this fight. I respect Michael’s amateur achievements and if he is the real deal we’ll take him to the trenches. There is no pressure and I am just enjoying the moment.

TOMMY FURY

“I am blessed to be in this position and know I wouldn’t be here without Tyson, but these opportunities I have to take with both hands. Tyson has been to the pit of hell and come back to the top of the hill. The world knows he is the real WBC world heavyweight champion. I have the Fury name, and that brings pressure but I have learned to live with it. I’m trying to do my own thing. If I achieve half of what Tyson has done I’ll be pleased because he is the greatest fighting man I’ve ever seen.

Josh Warrington defends his IBF World Featherweight title against Carl Frampton exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office, Saturday 22 December. Watch for just £19.95, for more info visit www.bt.com/sportboxoffice