Josh Warrington inspired by Leeds United promotion to the Premier League

The IBF featherweight champion has been a Leeds supporter all his life and celebrated the Whites’ return to the Premier League as much as any title win he has achieved in his own sphere.

Watching Leeds’ triumph from his TV screen during the final stretch of the prolonged campaign helped to provide Warrington with a much-needed release, as his own plans were put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic.

Warrington had been due to fight Can Xu in a featherweight unification bout this summer but that plan was shelved, although he hopes a fight will still take place this year.

The Leeds Warrior was 13 years old when Leeds were relegated from the top flight but he admits the last two seasons under Marcelo Bielsa have come as a “shock to the system.”

After heartbreak in the play-offs during Bielsa’s first season in charge, United were in no mood for a repeat of that scenario and following a 2-1 win over Luton Town in November they moved into the top two and there they stayed until promotion was sealed.

“The way it all played out towards the end, getting promoted and becoming champions without kicking a ball and absolutely smashing the last two games, there was a great buzz in the city,” said Warrington.

“I was able to celebrate that like the fans celebrate my fights. It was good to see, 16 years; it has been a long time.

“For me, coming through my late teenage years and until now I have supported Leeds in some diabolical times and watched them down in League One with poor management.

“The last two years have been a bit of a shock to the system. It all happened really quickly, and it didn’t feel real until the final day when we had lifted the trophy. I got a massive buzz from that, it gave me a fire to get back myself and I am hoping we can get a fight on later this year.

“Watching Leeds get promoted and then if I could win a couple more belts that would be the icing on the cake for me.”

There had been 14 managers who took charge of Leeds United outside of the Premier League before the appointment of Bielsa in 2018.

Warrington is a big admirer – as is undoubtedly every other Whites supporter – of the Argentinian and feels he is “completely suited” to Leeds United.

The IBF champion recalled times when he would go down to Elland Road and be happy just to see a goal but now he feels slightly spoiled by the brand of football which Bielsa has got Leeds playing.

“He keeps getting referenced to God,” Warrington added.

“Obviously, a lot of managers have been before him and tried to get Leeds back to the Premier League.

“The way he has us playing is completely suited to being Leeds. He is no nonsense, he does his talking on the pitch.

“Even when we got promoted there was only a small percentage of emotion and I admire that.

“He lets the performances do the business. What a guy.

“Look at the times we have had to endure, the brand of football has been shocking at times.

“Me and my pals were reminiscing about times we would go down and just be happy to see a goal, never-mind watching us batter and annihilate teams.

“Next season, back in the Premier League we could cause a few upsets and I think we will do.”

Warrington is excited by what promotion can bring to the city of Leeds.

Business leaders have already estimated that the Whites’ success could be worth up to £78m for each year they spend in the top flight. Warrington is also excited by the worldwide appeal that Leeds’ Premier League status can bring.

“It is amazing what promotion can bring to a city. The support is massive and then you are going to have some big teams coming over,” he added.

“The longer we are in the Premier League, the economy and infrastructure of the city can change.

“All these big games, like Leeds v Liverpool, Leeds v Man United, are going to attract people from all over the world.”

There is less than a month to wait before Leeds officially make their return to the top flight.

It is a season which will begin behind closed doors, but that will not stop Warrington beaming from ear to ear watching his club back in the elite.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

Thank you

Laura Collins