Warrington edges closer to World title shot after masterclass

WINNER: Josh Warrington, right, takes on Joel Brunker. Picture: Tony Johnson

Warrington retained his Commonwealth and WBC international featherweight titles, while edging closer to a World title fight against Welshman Lee Selby next spring.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted at bringing the world title fight to Leeds United’s Elland Road after witnessing another magnificent display from the unbeaten 24-year-old.

Warrington dominated from start to finish, leaving Brunker sporting two nasty cuts to either side of his head, as he recorded a shut out 120-108 points victory on all three judges cards.

Warrington twice went close to forcing a stoppage, in the ninth and 11th rounds, but although a brave Brunker deserved to hear the final bell, there was no taking away the dominance of the Leeds star’s display.

It was another raucous night at the Arena as around 10,000 fans packed in to roar the Leeds Warrior onto another famous victory, while star names Carl Froch and Tyson Fury were among those in attendance.

Speaking after the fight Warrington said: “For the first time in a long time I listened to my dad and the corner team and I made things a lot easier for myself.

“I’d built (Brunker) up to be this big monster who threw loads of punches but my training camp has been so the best yet and I knew if I could keep my head and stick to what I know I can do, I’d pull off a good performance and that is what we did.

“I’m over the moon with the performance. You can look like a world class boxer in sparring but it is what you do in the ring that counts.

“I did well tonight but I think there is still a lot more that I can bring and I’m always learning and always improving.”