'Hungrier than ever' Josh Warrington sends message to Mauricio Lara after ruling out retirement
- Planet Sport writer
- 20 April 2023
A "hungrier than ever" Josh Warrington has vowed to put old rival Mauricio Lara in his place, as the 'Leeds warrior' looks to get his career back on track and reclaim the featherweight world title.
Former two-time world champion Josh Warrington says he is "hungrier than ever" as he looks to get his career back on track and reclaim the featherweight title, while also sending a strong message to fierce rival Mauricio Lara.
Warrington enjoyed a stunning start as a professional, reeling off 30 successive wins and lifting the IBF featherweight crown, but he has had mixed results since seeing his unbeaten run ended by Lara in February 2021.
Following that defeat at Wembley Arena, Warrington has drawn with Lara in their Headingley rematch before beating Kiko Martinez in March 2022 to hold the IBF belt again - only to surrender it last December after losing to Luis Alberto Lopez by majority decision.
Those setbacks may have led some boxers to question their futures in the sport, but Warrington insists he has no intention of hanging up his gloves and has his sights set on another world title tilt.
The 32-year-old said: "When I call it a day, I want it to be on my terms and I'm not ready to go yet. I'm in my prime, my belief to win another world title is still there.
"I feel hungrier than I ever have done and I'm just as hungry to win a world title again."
The 'Leeds Warrior' is also licking his lips at the thought of a possible third showdown with 25-year-old Lara, in a situation that he says has turned "personal" between the pair.
Warrington's feud with Lara has been building since the Mexican inflicted a first career defeat on him two years ago before being denied a revenge win seven months later when Lara sustained a cut over his eye from a head clash that caused the rematch to end in a technical draw.
Lara also admitted to spitting at Warrington ringside following his win over Wood earlier this year.
Warrington said: "He seemed to have made it a personal thing and said he wants to retire me.
"I never thought it was personal until he spat at me which is one of the most degrading things that anyone can do… I'd rather be punched than spat on. For myself it's lowest of the low and now it's personal.
"I would love to put that to bed and I strongly believe if I turn up with the right mindset I beat him quite comfortably."
