Josh Warrington - Kiko Martinez

Yorkshire hero Josh Warrington returned to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday 13 May where he made the third defense of his WBC International Featherweight belt. He has built up somewhat of a cult following in Leeds, with large numbers of the United faithful coming out in droves to support their man.

‘The Leeds Warrior’ joined Frank Warren’s stable towards the end of the 2016 and is hoping to secure a World Title shot this year, with two possible UK showdowns against Carl Frampton and Lee Selby being discussed.

Having not fought since last July, Warrington must first navigate past experienced operator Kiko Martinez before challenging one of the Featherweight rulers. He has built up somewhat of a cult following in Leeds, with large numbers of the United faithful coming out in droves to support their man. Martinez became IBF World Super-Bantamweight Champion in 2013 and made two defenses before losing the belt to Carl Frampton in Belfast. The 30-year-old’s other UK outing was also unsuccessful, losing to Scott Quigg in July 2015.

Tickets for this event could be purchased for £46 - £130.

Bookmakers saw Warrington as a favorite in this battle. Odds for Warrington were 1.09, while on Martinez - 12.5. Bookmakers also believed that the fight had about equal chances to be stopped early or complete the distance - 2.1 and 1.9, respectively.