Josh Warrington promises next fight against Xu Can will be a 'barnstormer'
- Joe Hewlett
- 26 March 2020
Josh Warrington is predicting fireworks when he eventually goes to war with WBA champion Xu Can.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed on Instagram that terms had been agreed for the unification blockbuster although no date is set in stone because of the coronavirus pandemic.
If boxing can return this summer then Headingley Stadium - home to Rugby League’s Leeds Rhinos - will host the bout. Warrington is one of the most popular fighters in Britain and is amongst the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury for ticket sales with a loyal fan-base behind him in Yorkshire.
Warrington re-united with Hearn
He came to prominence after a sensational victory over Lee Selby at Elland Road to win the IBF featherweight title before beating Carl Frampton and Kid Galahad. Shakur Stevenson and Gary Russell Jr were front-runners to take on Warrington this summer but for one reason or another neither materialised.
Speaking about fighting Can, who threw 1,562 punches in his title defence against Manny Robles III in November, Warrington promised fans an unforgettable night.
“It will be a barnstormer,” said Warrington to the Yorkshire Post.
“When you look at the other champions in the division, Gary Russell and Shakour Stevenson, you know the build up is going to be entertaining. But is the fight going to be entertaining because, Shakur Stevenson likes to move on the backfoot and Gary Russell is known for his speed but doesn’t work too much. He chooses when he wants to do his work.
“But with Can Xu, you know as soon as that first bell goes, he is running to the centre of the ring and going hell for leather and obviously I like to do that as well.”
