Former IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington, 30-years-old, has come out in defense of his corner, who have come under fire over last week's fight with Mauricio Lara.
Last Saturday night at the SSE Arena in Wembley, Warrington was knocked out in brutal fashion by Lara in the ninth round.
Observers were left stunned. Lara was unknown and tabbed as a massive underdog in the fight.
During the fourth round, Warrington was badly hurt and knocked down. He was allowed to continue and took a beating for the rest of the fight - until Lara laid him out in the ninth.
His corner was hit with heavy criticism, because most observers felt the contest should have been stopped in the fourth round. Referee Howard Foster, who never tried to stop the fight until Warrington was out on his back, was also blasted in the aftermath.
“My cornerman is my dad and he will look after my health and safety — not only because I’m his fighter but also because I’m his son. He knows what I’m capable of taking. If it got worse I’m certain he would have pulled me out," Warrington told The Sun.
“But while I was making eye contact with him, listening and responding to his questions, he saw no reason to pull me out. If I was stuttering, slurring, not keeping eye contact, I’m sure he would have pulled me out. But I gave him all the right signs.
“Howard [Foster] has seen me fight many times. He knows I’m one of the fittest in the game. He knew it was early on. He gave me the opportunity and I’m thankful. I was hurt but still had my senses and my awareness.”
Warrington does have a rematch clause that he can exercise. According to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, a rematch is looking likely for the future.