Josh Warrington has expressed his fear surrounding the prospect of retirement from boxing, particularly following his recent defeat to Anthony Cacace in September 2024. After 15 years in the sport and a legacy as a two-time world champion, the Leeds-born fighter is grappling with the uncertainty of where to go next.
Warrington’s Journey in Boxing
Warrington made history as the first male world champion from Leeds, a title he claimed after defeating Lee Selby for the IBF featherweight championship at Elland Road in 2018. His victories against notable opponents like Carl Frampton and Kid Galahad solidified his status in the boxing world, giving fans from his hometown a champion to rally behind.
Challenges After Defeat
Following his loss to Cacace, Warrington momentarily hung up his gloves, a symbolic gesture of retirement. However, within three weeks, he returned to training, driven by an undeniable yearning for the sport. “It’s hard to explain to people what it is, what makes you want to go back to it,” he stated, acknowledging the risks involved in boxing. This desire echoes a common sentiment among fighters, who often find it difficult to part with the adrenaline of competition.
The Fear of the Unknown
Warrington admits that the thought of life outside boxing is daunting. After dedicating himself to the sport, the idea of stepping away from the strict routines and discipline is unsettling. “In my head, I was done. I was a bit lost because I’ve always had an idea of what I want to do after boxing, but where do you start?” he explained.
Support from Family and Trainers
Throughout his career, Warrington has relied on the unwavering support of his father and trainer, Sean O’Hagan. As they prepare for an upcoming rematch with Leigh Wood, O’Hagan reflects on their journey, stating that their training camp feels reminiscent of earlier days in Warrington’s career. “The entire camp has been like turning the clock back five years,” he noted.
Anticipation for the Rematch
The upcoming rematch against Leigh Wood carries high stakes for Warrington. He believes he was unfairly stopped in their first match and is eager to prove himself once again. Fans from Leeds will travel 73 miles to Nottingham, hoping for a victorious return.
Reflection on Accomplishments
Looking back on his career, Warrington feels a sense of fulfillment. “If I turned to a young Josh Warrington and said: ‘You’re going to be a world champion twice and make so many great memories,’ I wouldn’t believe it,” he remarked, acknowledging the dreams he has turned into reality through hard work and perseverance.
- 15 years as a professional boxer
- Two-time world champion
- First male world champion from Leeds
- Notable victories: Lee Selby, Carl Frampton, Kid Galahad
- Recent defeat: Anthony Cacace in September 2024
As Warrington approaches this critical juncture, he remains focused on the journey ahead, striving for one more memorable night in the ring. Retirement may loom on the horizon, but for now, the fighter is prepared to embrace the next challenge with determination.
