Josh Warrington dismisses retirement talk despite loss against Luis Alberto Lopez, reveals plans on when he plans to get back in the gym and being open to domestic clash with Leigh Wood
Despite suffering an upset loss against Luis Alberto Lopez, Josh Warrington is not yet ready to hang up his gloves.
The ‘Leeds Warrior’ took on Lopez on Saturday night in a mandatory IBF world title defence, but he was beaten by majority decision after failing to come back from a slow start to the fight.
“It’s just frustration and annoyance,” Warrington told talkSPORT in reaction to his defeat. “Because there’s so much to come after this fight.
“So, I kind of put internal pressure on myself and I knew the kid was going to start lively, but I was too anxious at the start and being too cautious about my jaw.
“Then, when I finally started getting into it halfway through, even though I felt I had done enough to snatch it, the frustration comes with if I had started a little bit quicker, then I definitely would have walked away with it. But it’s all hindsight and I’ve just got to live with it.”
Given Warrington is 32 years old and has only won one of his last four fights, there was talk of retirement, but the two-time world champion still believes he has more to give.
“I’m going to carry on,” Warrington said. “I’m going to enjoy Christmas and then I’m just going to get back in the gym straight away.
“I planned on just getting fat, but I’m going to get back in the gym straight away because at this moment in time I would be doing myself an injustice if I were to walk away from it like this…
“There’s plenty left in the tank, so I’m hoping I can come back even stronger.”
In terms of his next fight, Warrington would like to challenge himself against in-form WBA ‘regular’ champion Leigh Wood in a domestic bust up.
“If Leigh wants it, I’d be grateful for the opportunity,” Warrington said.
“I’d love to still have a belt because you have more bargaining power, but now without a belt it’s his decision, but domestically, it’s a massive fight for the UK.
“I’ve gone from the driving seat to now the B side, so if he wants it then I’d be more than happy to take that one.”
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Despite suffering an upset loss against Luis Alberto Lopez, Josh Warrington is not yet ready to hang up his gloves.
The ‘Leeds Warrior’ took on Lopez on Saturday night in a mandatory IBF world title defence, but he was beaten by majority decision after failing to come back from a slow start to the fight.
“It’s just frustration and annoyance,” Warrington told talkSPORT in reaction to his defeat. “Because there’s so much to come after this fight.
“So, I kind of put internal pressure on myself and I knew the kid was going to start lively, but I was too anxious at the start and being too cautious about my jaw.
“Then, when I finally started getting into it halfway through, even though I felt I had done enough to snatch it, the frustration comes with if I had started a little bit quicker, then I definitely would have walked away with it. But it’s all hindsight and I’ve just got to live with it.”
Given Warrington is 32 years old and has only won one of his last four fights, there was talk of retirement, but the two-time world champion still believes he has more to give.
“I’m going to carry on,” Warrington said. “I’m going to enjoy Christmas and then I’m just going to get back in the gym straight away.
“I planned on just getting fat, but I’m going to get back in the gym straight away because at this moment in time I would be doing myself an injustice if I were to walk away from it like this…
“There’s plenty left in the tank, so I’m hoping I can come back even stronger.”
In terms of his next fight, Warrington would like to challenge himself against in-form WBA ‘regular’ champion Leigh Wood in a domestic bust up.
“If Leigh wants it, I’d be grateful for the opportunity,” Warrington said.
“I’d love to still have a belt because you have more bargaining power, but now without a belt it’s his decision, but domestically, it’s a massive fight for the UK.
“I’ve gone from the driving seat to now the B side, so if he wants it then I’d be more than happy to take that one.”
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18+ Opt in, bet £10+ at odds 2.00+, in 7 days. No cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected events. 7 day bonuses expiry. Card payments only. Click for T&Cs. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
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