Josh Warrington destroys Kiko Martinez to win back his world title in Leeds
- Seb Sternik
- 26 March 2022
Josh Warrington became a two-time world champion after regaining his IBF crown with a seventh-round stoppage of Kiko Martinez.
The Leeds Warrior had a lot to prove after enduring two disappointing fights with Maurizio Lara - one of them ending in a shock defeat, and the other ending in a premature draw.
With the First Direct Arena filled to the rafters, the pressure was well and truly on as Warrington made his way to the ring - alongside Leeds United's Luke Ayling.
Despite this, Warrington put on an incredible display, as he dismantled the Spaniard inside seven rounds.
The 31-year-old was fuelled by adrenaline in the opening round, and was able to drop Martinez to the delight of the crowd.
Warrington maintained his frantic pace in the second, but was unable to finish the job - not yet, anyway.
The tempo began to subside as Warrington became more methodical. The Leeds Warrior has never been renowned for his power, and he clearly needed to preserve energy.
Despite this, his methodical nature proved just as deadly, as a large percentage of his shots continued to find their target.
Martinez began to develop a cut under his left eye, and that continued to cause him problems as the fight rolled on.
As the seventh round came into view, Warrington spotted an opportunity and went for the finish. The Leeds-based boxer continued to pummel the Spaniard, leaving the referee no choice but to step in and stop the fight.
Warrington is now a two-time IBF world featherweight champion, with promoter Eddie Hearn going on to describe his win as 'defining'.
During the post-fight interview, Leigh Wood was brought into the ring to discuss a possible bout against Warrington.
Wood recently enjoyed a spectacular victory over Michael Conlan, and the two men are touted as potential future opponents.
