IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington has very high hopes for the level of drama in a potential clash with WBA champion Xu Can.

A fight between Warrington and Can was close to being finalized before the coronavirus pandemic erupted all over the world.

Warrington captured the IBF title in May of 2018, when he decisioned Lee Selby. And then made a statement in December of the same year, when he defeated Carl Frampton in a fight filled with fireworks.

In 2019, Warrington retained his title with victories over Kid Galahad and Sofiane Takoucht.

The boxer has now been inactive since October. He was with promoter Frank Warren at that time, and earlier this year jumped ship to Eddie Hearn of Matchroom.

Warrington wants to be involved in a memorable battle in his next ring appearance. He believes Can is the perfect opponent to achieve that goal.

“We want to be part of entertaining fights and be part of memorable fights. That is all I want to be part of,” said Warrington to Yorkshire Post.

“It will be something special. From winning the world title and defending it against some of the world’s best. I’m desperate to win another belt. It will be a barnstormer [with Can].

“With Can Xu, you know as soon as that first bell goes, he is running to the center of the ring and going hell for leather and obviously I like to do that as well.”

Another fight that Warrington likes is WBC champion Gary Russell, who has held the title since 2015.

He feels strongly that Russell is right there to be beaten.

“Sometimes fighters get a gut-feeling and you have to go with that gut feeling,” said Warrington.

“Like the Selby fight, there were many things we saw that we knew we could expose. Gary Russell is a great fighter and he has got great speed but he is there for the taking. But the Can Xu fight will be an excellent fight as well.”