Josh Warrington delivers stern warning as he weighs in heavier than Kiko Martinez: ‘And the new’

Josh Warrington and Kiko Martinez both comfortably weighed in underneath the 126lb limit ahead of their IBF featherweight world title clash on Saturday night. 

‘The Leeds Warrior’ tipped the scales marginally the heavier of the two at 125.7lbs on Friday afternoon, while Martinez, naturally the smaller man, came in at 125.4lbs for the first defence of his newly-acquired title.  

The featherweight protagonists return to the First Direct Arena in Warrington’s home city of Leeds this weekend, five years after the Yorkshireman battled to a majority decision victory over the battle-hardened Spaniard. 

Kiko Martinez (left) and Josh Warrington (right) both made weight ahead of Saturday’s bout

IBF champion Martinez came in slightly lighter at 125.4lbs, with Warrington heavier at 125.7lbs 

Home favourite Warrington received a champion’s reception from an overflowing Leeds fanbase at the Queens Hotel as he stepped to the scales, though he comes in as the challenger for the first time in four years.  

The Yorkshireman is looking to regain the belt he vacated last year in search of the featherweight elite, and now comes up against Martinez – who he beat in 2017 – after the Spanish veteran knocked out Kid Galahad to claim the belt in one of the shock results of 2021.   

Warrington is also in search of his first win since 2019, having suffered a brutal stoppage defeat to Mauricio Lara in February last year, before their September rematch was halted after just two rounds following an accidental clash of heads. 

The pair have enjoyed an amicable build-up throughout fight week but, despite the prevalent language barrier, exchanged words as they came face-to-face for the final time before fight night. 

Explaining what was said, Warrington, donning a Leeds United scarf, said: ‘I was telling him, listen, there’s no way he’s going to win. He’s not going to win.     

‘On Saturday night, he said he’s going to knock me out. He said he’s going to silence you all. Is that going to happen? We’re going to have a new champion. And the f***** new! Come on!’  

Martinez became a two-time world champion with his shock win over Kid Galahad last year

But Warrington, who beat Martinez back in 2017, says the IBF belt will be changing hands again

Warrington’s victory over Martinez five years ago was less than convincing, with the Spaniard to this day insisting he was robbed of a decision. 

The challenger insists a lot has changed since they last entered the squared circle, however, believing he’s the better fighter in ever sense.  

‘Most definitely,’ he said, when asked whether it will be a different fight. ‘It’s five years ago since we last boxed. 

‘I’m faster, stronger, better boxing ability. He can’t beat me in any department. 

‘He can’t outwork me, he can’t out-strength me. I won’t be beat.’

Promoter Eddie Hearn insists Warrington is fearful of suffering a career-ending defeat

Warrington insisted the prospect of retirement hasn’t entered his mind at Thursday’s press conference, but promoter Eddie Hearn admitted a loss would spell the end of his illustrious career.  

‘Josh has the fear factor in this fight,’ Hearn said. ‘Not because he’s scared of Kiko Martinez, but because he’s scared of his career being over. 

‘He knows that if he loses on Saturday night he can’t be in this sport anymore, because he’s only in it to be at the top, top level. That’s driven him throughout camp. 

‘Sean O’Hagan and Steven Wood [Warrington’s trainer and manager], they’ve said to me, honestly, physically and mentally it’s the best camp he’s ever had. He’s training because he doesn’t want his journey to end.’