In the latest episode of No Filter Boxing, Josh Warrington discusses his upcoming world title fight with Kid Galahad, Frank Warren sets up what could be a huge 2019 for boxing and George Groves talks us through his decision to retire.
Josh Warrington beats Carl Frampton in Manchester classic
Josh Warrington retained his IBF featherweight title after a classic encounter with Carl Frampton at Manchester Arena.
Warrington attacked the Belfast fighter from the first bell and dominated him for much of an outstanding contest to earn a unanimous decision and keep the belt he won from Lee Selby in May.
Frampton found himself in desperate trouble during the opening two rounds, clinging on bravely after choosing to trade with Warrington but coming off second-best.
Frampton, 31, was attempting to regain a world title for the first time since losing the WBA’s belt to Leo Santa Cruz last year but he was made to look his age by Warrington and struggled to cope with the weight of the Leeds’ fighter’s punches.
Warrington continued to score with flurries through the middle rounds and opened up a small cut under Frampton’s left eye in the third.
Frampton, who had lost just once in 27 bouts prior to the clash in Manchester, fought back to close the score in the eighth and ninth rounds but Warrington turned the screw as the final bell approached, securing his first defence.
The pair hugged at the final bell in a show of appreciation and Warrington took the decision with a score of 116-112 on two cards and a score of 116-113 on the third.
Warrington said: "It takes two to make a fight. I’ve always been a fan of Carl’s and to shake my hand like he did after the fight shows what a sportsman he is. He'll go down as one of the best.
“There were times when I hit him with some corking shots. Hopefully know I can take this on and go on and unify. I just want to be part of big fights and Oscar Valdez excites me.”
Frampton, a former two-weight world title holder, accepted defeat gracefully afterwards, saying: "No excuses from me, I was incredible shape coming into this fight but the better man won. Josh was fitter and stronger, that's the bottom line.
“Whoever said Josh can’t punch, I don’t know what they are talking about. He’s even better than I thought. He’s clever, he’s strong, tough and he can punch hard.
JOSH WARRINGTON: FIGHTING FOR A CITY
His sporting success story was most definitely made in Leeds.
So where better for a major new documentary film about boxing hero Josh Warrington to have its premiere than one of the city’s grandest buildings?
The first public screening of Josh Warrington: Fighting For A City will take place at Leeds Town Hall on Thursday, November 1.
The screening, which will also mark the start of this year’s Leeds International Film Festival, will be attended by Josh.
Today he said the red carpet event would be an “incredibly proud moment”, adding: “The people of Leeds have always been so amazingly supportive and they’ve been with me every step of the way, so to be sharing this story with them will be really special.”
Filmed over a period of two years, the documentary goes behind the scenes with Josh as he follows his dream of winning the IBF featherweight world title – an ambition he finally realised by beating Lee Selby in front of a raucous hometown crowd at Leeds United’s Elland Road ground in May.
Made by Leeds-based Moneyglass Films with support from Screen Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Content Fund, it will also get a home entertainment release through Universal on DVD and digital download on November 26.
Producer Nick Ryle said: “We just knew that the combination of a talented, determined young man like Josh and a uniquely passionate set of fans was bound to give us drama.
“But for it to culminate as it did on that extraordinary night in May was beyond our wildest dreams.
“To be able to capture Josh, his dad, Sean, his family and team on their journey has been an incredible privilege.
“We believe we’ve now delivered a film that is both intimate and epic and which both boxer and city can be proud of.”
Taking place for the 32nd time, the Leeds International Film Festival runs until November 15.
Other films confirmed for screenings include political satire Sorry To Bother You and Mike Leigh’s much-anticipated Peterloo.
The list of venues, meanwhile, includes Hyde Park Picture House, Everyman Leeds and Vue at The Light as well as the Town Hall.
The festival is being organised by Leeds City Council with support from the Leeds 2023 cultural initiative.
Read the full article: www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/leeds-premiere-for-new-documentary-film-about-boxing-hero-josh-warrington-1-9390480