Boxing

Josh Warrington Makes Retirement U-Turn itting It Was ‘A Rash Decision’, Calls For Leigh Wood Rematch

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Josh Warrington isn’t done just yet, as the ‘Leeds Warrior’ makes retirement U-turn after seemingly calling it a day at Wembley Stadium back in September. Warrington its it was ‘a rash decision’, and is now calling for a Leigh Wood rematch and other big fights.

Josh Warrington Makes Retirement U-Turn

Two-time world featherweight champion Josh Warrington has made his intentions of fighting on very clear.

Although Warrington put his gloves down in the centre of the ring after his unanimous decision loss to Anthony Cacace at Wembley Stadium in September, the ‘Leeds Warrior’ its it was ‘a rash decision’ and definitely wants to continue fighting.

The fighting pride of Leeds has lost his last three consecutive fights, but each were against the top fighters in the division. Losses to Luis Alberto Lopez, Leigh Wood and Anthony Cacace are no disgrace, hence why Warrington is going back on his decision to retire after sitting down with his team.

“I laid my gloves down in the ring, [but] it felt like a rash decision,” Warrington explained in a recent interview with DAZN.

“I thought, with my frustrations that I couldn’t get going that maybe it’s not there. I’m always critical. I can be winning a fight and think I’m not doing good enough.

“After analysing it, and watching back with my team, I still think there’s enough there to compete at the highest level, and to win as well. Physically, I feel good,” concluded the Yorkshireman.

It is evident that Josh Warrington isn’t done just yet. But who can he fight next and which fights make sense for 2025?

Warrington Calls For Leigh Wood Rematch In 2025

One fight that Josh Warrington really wants is a rematch with Leigh Wood. Wood and Warrington fought back in 2023, with the Nottingham man getting the better of the fight with a seventh round knockout. However, Warrington was well ahead on the cards and still disputes the referee’s call to stop the fight.

With Wood also without an opponent and not having fought since then, it seems the pair could have a rematch in 2025. The ‘Leeds Warrior’ has expressed his desire to run it back with Wood, claiming the pair have unfished business:

“I know there’s another fighter who’s been inactive. We’ve already had a dance in the past. I don’t feel like he’s got a fight, so it would make sense.

“If we’re talking about domestic fights and big fights for the UK, then I think that’s one right there. We’ve got a bit of history, and it’s appealing for the boxing fans.

“Something like that would make sense. If not, we’ll look elsewhere. But I’ll sit down with everyone else around and see where we go,” said the 34-year-old.

Although the Leeds man seemingly retired in the ring after his defeat to Anthony Cacace at Wembley Stadium in September, his sights are now fully set on continuing his career. Warrington knows that he still has some big nights left before exiting on his own :

“I’m still here, and I’d like to finish on a high. But I also want to be in fights that people want to see. As I said, there’s a fight right there with Leigh Wood.”

Be sure to claim the various boxing betting offers and free bet deals available on the SportsCasting site ahead of  Josh Warrington’s next fight.

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Paul Kelly
Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

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Paul Kelly Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

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