Josh Warrington and Pablo Hernandez set to fight it out at 2020 Leeds Sports Awards

JOSH WARRINGTON will face an intriguing battle against one of his Leeds United favourites Pablo Hernandez at the 2020 Leeds Sports Awards.
By Lee Sobot
Published 10th Jan 2020, 16:35 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2020, 22:58 BST
Leeds United's Pablo Hernandez, right, and Josh Warrington are both up for the sportsman of the year award. Picture: Steve Riding.Leeds United's Pablo Hernandez, right, and Josh Warrington are both up for the sportsman of the year award. Picture: Steve Riding.
Leeds United's Pablo Hernandez, right, and Josh Warrington are both up for the sportsman of the year award. Picture: Steve Riding.

Finalists for the event, now in their 17th year, have been unveiled this week ahead of the evening itself at first direct Arena on Thursday, February 27.

IBF featherweight world champion Warrington is one of his six athletes shortlisted for sportsman of the year.

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But boxing star and huge Leeds fan Warrington will face competition from the Whites’ Spanish playmaker Hernandez following his stellar displays for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Middle-distance runner Alexandra Bell is in contention for the sportswoman of the year award. Picture: Martin Rickett/PAMiddle-distance runner Alexandra Bell is in contention for the sportswoman of the year award. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA
Middle-distance runner Alexandra Bell is in contention for the sportswoman of the year award. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA

Yorkshire CCC’s England Test captain Joe Root also features alongside diving star Jack Laugher, race walker Tom Bosworth and cyclist Tom Pidcock.

There are nine finalists for the sportswoman of the year award, including recently-retired double Olympic champion and professional world boxing champion Nicola Adams.

She will face competition from middle distance running stars Alex Bell and Laura Weightman, plus two cyclists in Lizzie Deignan and Katy Marchant.

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Triathlete Jess Learmonth, diver Lois Toulson, cricketer Katie Levick and rugby league ace Courtney Hill are also in the mix.

Leeds Rhinos captain Courtney HillLeeds Rhinos captain Courtney Hill
Leeds Rhinos captain Courtney Hill

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa also joins Hernandez in being nominated for an award, shortlisted for the coach - performance of the year category alongside Adam Cuthbertson, Andi Drake and Andy Henderson.

The club/team performance award will be a battle between the City of Leeds Diving Club, East Leeds Swimming Club, Leeds City Athletic Club Endurance Teams and Leeds Rhinos Women.

The disability category sees representation from the likes of three MBEs in Great Britain’s Para-cycling team’s David Stone and Paralympians Hannah Cockroft and Kadeena Cox.

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The awards also celebrate the younger generation and their achievements while there will also be recognition for the hardworking coaches and volunteers around the city.

IN THE RUNNING: Nicola Adams. Picture: Nick Potts/PAIN THE RUNNING: Nicola Adams. Picture: Nick Potts/PA
IN THE RUNNING: Nicola Adams. Picture: Nick Potts/PA

Look North sports reporter Tanya Arnold will again be hosting proceedings and 2,255 votes were recorded to nominate finalists during the last few months.

Tickets to the awards dinner are available now and can be purchased by emailing: [email protected]

Related topics:Pablo HernandezJosh WarringtonJoe RootLeeds UnitedMarcelo BielsaNicola AdamsTom PidcockJack Laugher