Film spotlights more than just the fight game for Leeds Warrior

Fighting For A City is a feature-length documentary telling the story of Leeds boxer Josh Warrington.

Filmed over a period of two years and due for release in early 2019, it follows Josh as he pursues his dream of winning the IBF featherweight world title – an ambition he could realise when he takes on Lee Selby at Elland Road next month.

But the makers say their finished feature will be about more than boxing, embracing themes of “sacrifice, love, ambition, pressure, joy and despair”.

Much of its emotional pull will be provided by the impact of Josh’s fight career on those around him, particularly his dad and trainer Sean O’Hagen.

The film will also seek to explore a wider narrative about Leeds as a city on the up and up.

Fighting For A City is being made by Leeds-based Moneyglass Films, the production company behind Being AP, a critically-acclaimed documentary about legendary jockey AP McCoy’s final season. It has also secured investment from the Leeds-based Screen Yorkshire agency.

Producer Nick Ryle said: “We were looking to follow the success of Being AP with another strong sporting story.

“When I heard about what was happening with Josh Warrington in Leeds it was immediately interesting, but nothing prepared us for the richness of the narrative and the compelling journey Josh is on.

“It has been a privilege to tell this story and we are grateful to Screen Yorkshire for helping us to make this happen.”

Screen Yorkshire’s head of investments, Hugo Heppell, said: “Fighting For A City has a great pedigree in Moneyglass Films.

“Their track-record in finding compelling subject matter and telling a brilliant story is outstanding.

“Added to that is the backdrop of Leeds, with its fantastic determination, support and loyalty, making this an obvious investment choice for Screen Yorkshire.”

* Moneyglass Films is asking Josh’s fans to get behind its #FightingForACity social media campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter while work continues on the documentary,

The Yorkshire Evening Post has five pairs of tickets to give away to Josh Warrington’s world title fight at Elland Road.

To enter our prize draw, post your full name and details, including a mobile or daytime phone number, to Win Warrington v Selby Tickets Competition 2, c/o Raza Zulfiqar, Advertising Department, Yorkshire Evening Post, No 1 Leeds, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds, LS12 1BE.

Go to our website for details. Deadline for entries is next Thursday, May 3.