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Josh Warrington hopes for Carl Frampton unification rematch


Josh Warrington can envision a world title unification rematch with Ireland’s Carl Frampton.

The IBF featherweight champion defended his red belt for the first time in December when he scored an upset win over Frampton at the Manchester Arena, ambushing ‘The Jackal’ early and eventually claiming a decisive unanimous decision win..

The build-up to the clash had seen common promoter Frank Warren propose a series of fights between the pair, with an open-air stadium rematch this summer a suggestion.

However, this sort of talk from Warren would halt immediately following the fight.

Warrington, too, would put forward the ‘looking forward’ argument and stated his intention to chase unifications with Leo Santa Cruz (WBA), Oscar Valdez (WBO), and Gary Russell (WBC).

READ: Warrington rejects idea of Frampton rematch

However, the Leeds fan favourite was straddled with a mandatory and faces controversial Sheffield slickster Kid Galahad at the First Direct Arena on June 15th.

Meanwhile, Frampton [26(15)-2(0)] has elected to box on, noting under-performance, underestimation, and injury as reasons for his loss in December.

The 32-year-old is keen to become a world champion again and has signed a co-promotional deal with Top Rank – with Warrington reportedly about to follow suit.

The Belfast boxer has been identified by Top Rank boss, Bob Arum, as an ideal defence for Valdez and a summer fight Stateside looks a strong possibility – with preliminary talks already underway.

While Frampton would be a big underdog versus Valdez, Warrington [28(6)-0] hopes to see him win and allow an in-house unification rematch.

“Maybe I should have got chinned then I would have got that opportunity,” Warrington joked when asked by IFL TV what he thought of the former two-weight world champion’s latest move.

“Good for Carl, I guess, good to see him going on.”

Speaking positively regarding the rematch for the first time, Warrington outlined how “hopefully he can get a big fight, get a world title and if he does then hopefully we can get a rematch down the line.”

“I’d happily give him a rematch as long as he’s got a world title.”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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