Josh Warrington “open” to December Frampton fight
Not quite non-committal but Josh Warrington [27(6)-0] hasn’t been too vocal about a 2018 title fight with Carl Frampton [25(14)-1(0)] in recent weeks.
However, the Leeds fighter has stated that he believes he would get the better of ‘The Jackal’ were they to meet and suggested his openess to a mooted end-of-year showdown.
Warrington won the IBF featherweight title back in May, upsetting Welshman Lee Selby at Elland Road.
Talk of a clash with promotional stablemate Frampton was widespread following this however Warrington was ruled out of a fight at Windsor Park due to the gruelling nature of his win over Selby.
Frampton instead fights unheralded Aussie Luke Jackson next month at the football stadium with promoter Frank Warren having gone on record with his desire to match the Belfast fighter with Warrington in a big domestic clash at the Manchester Arena this December.
Warren last month suggested that Warrington may squeeze in a voluntary in early September ahead of this potential Frampton clash but timescale and a recent interview from the Englishman suggests that this will not occur.
READ: Frank Warren’s Carl Frampton v Josh Warrington plan
Warrington’s manager, Steve Wood, is keen for the bout to take place next Summer at Elland Road but Warren is similarly keen to go with his neutral Manchester plan.
“I’m waiting to find out some news from my promoter, Frank Warren, right now,” Warrington told The Metro before revealing his immediate plans.
“I’m probably looking to defend the title at the end of the year. I’m keeping myself in shape now and keeping myself busy.”
“I’m open to being in a fight at the end of the year.”
With Warren wanting a December bout and Warrington open to one, it seems that everything is alligning for a Frampton fight.
The 27-year-old is confident of beating Frampton, who currently holds the WBO interim trinket.
He outlined how “I’ve set myself new goals now. I want to go on and unify the division, win another world title and fight the best names in the division.”
“Carl Frampton is a big name who whets the appetite. He’s regarded as one of the best featherweights in the country. But I think when it comes to fighting him, I’ve got what it takes to beat him.”
