Leeds' Josh Warrington has become the first man from the city to win a world boxing title after he bested Lee Selby with a split decision at a packed Elland Road on Saturday night.
Selby, who had held the IBF world featherweight title coming into the fight, sustained cuts above both eyes in what was a bloody and bruising match up.
Warrington, 27, had not been fancied by bookmakers or pundits but seemed to thrive on the raucous atmosphere in the ground of his football team, Leeds United. He put in a startlingly game display, coming forward all the time, showing boundless energy and was rewarded when the judges scored the fight 116-112 115-113 113-115 in his favour.
He now has a professional record of 27-0.
The Welshman Selby, 31, fell to what was just his second defeat in his professional career and it’s unclear now as to what his path back to a big-money fight will be.
Warrington, meanwhile, has the prospect of a spin across the water to Belfast where the could face former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton. Speaking after the fight, he seemed keen.
“I don't mind going anywhere,” he said.
"I've been a fan of Carl's and two weeks ago I said I would beat Lee Selby and go to Windsor Park.
“We will sit down with Frank Warren and get the fight sorted.
"But I prefer the end of the year as I need some time to be a dad”
After what that fight must have taken out of him, he might well need those couple of months on the sideline. Watch one particularly savage exchange from the sixth below.
Warriors.
