Josh Warrington: We Are Coming For Everyone In 2020

Josh Warrington has reiterated his desire to take part in lucrative unification fights.

The Leeds featherweight retained his IBF world title on Saturday night, exclusively live on BT Sport.

Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) took on Sofiane Takoucht, the number four-rated Frenchman, at the First Direct Arena in his home city.

And he has now once again set his sights on showdowns with the likes of Shakur Stevenson, who fights for the vacant WBO title later this month against Joet Gonzalez, and WBC champion Gary Russell Jr, after knocking Takoucht down twice before the referee, Bob Williams, stopped the contest inside the second round after another flurry.

“People say I can’t punch?” Warrington said, before shrugging his shoulders.

The 28-year-old made it clear before the fight he was unhappy with his opponent, bemoaning a failed attempt to make a unification fight with one of the other featherweight champions.

But he wants that sooner rather than later.

“The fans deserved [a performance like that],” Warrington continued. “I took my frustration in not getting a unification bout out on him because I have made it very clear I am open to any of them. Gary Russell Jr is kicking about. Shakur Stevenson could be fighting for the WBO title. If Can Xu wants the fight, here I am. I am leaving my options open.

“Everyone has their passports at the ready. In 2020, we are coming for you all.”

Warrington is expected to fight again in the early summer of next year and while it is clear to see the way the fighter himself wants to go –– Stateside for big-money outings against other titlists –– Frank Warren, his promoter, has said the team are looking at a return to Elland Road.

Headingley Stadium, the rugby ground in Leeds, is also said to be under consideration to stage the next Warrington fight.