BBC Radio 5 Live

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Tonight is a big night for Josh Warrington but is just the first of five for BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing.

A five-fight commentary deal includes this bout, Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin, Lawrence Okolie's world-title shot against Krzysztof Glowacki, Josh Kelly v David Avanesyan and Conor Benn v Samuel Vargas.

All the dates and what each fight is for can be found here.

Lap it up my friends and let your ears dance to the punches.

Image source, BBC Sport

So who are the men Josh Warrington must seek out if he's to win a world title again having given up his IBF world featherweight title?

BBC Sport sat in on a Zoom call with Warrington and promoter Eddie Hearn last week.

The plan - and obviously there are various hurdles given the world we live in - is to face China's Xu Can in the next couple of months. Then the target is American's Gary Russell Jr or Mexico's Emanuel Navarete.

If that happens, Warrington would then look to face one of those two as a third fight in the sequence.

It's hoped these big title fights could see one land at Headingley Stadium in the UK and another could give Warrington a big night in the US, where a few folk from Leeds would likely sink a few ales!

Image source, Mark Robinson/Matchroom

Josh Warrington says he will make a Christmas video showing off a new world title less than 12 months on from giving up 'champion' status.

The featherweight vacated the IBF world title in January after being told he had to face mandatory challenger Kid Galahad for a second time.

Warrington, 30, told 5 Live Boxing: "I worked hard for that IBF belt. Three defences later, it didn't matter to me that we had to vacate because we are on a journey.

"The way the market is these days with YouTubers headlining shows, people just want to see entertaining fights.

"I can see myself doing a video at Christmas saying 'I told you all didn't I. You laughed at me for giving up the IBF belt, so here's the ring magazine belt and here's the WBC belt.'"

Shout out to Leigh Wood, the new British Featherweight champion.

Image source, Mark robinson/Matchroom

Josh Warrington is currently tuning up punching a tennis ball in the changing room.

Out in the ring Britain's Zelfa Barrett is having a tricky night of it against the experienced Kiko Martinez.

Seven rounds in and many have Martinez ahead. Barrett has lost just once in 25 outings.

Spain's Martinez has been a world champion in the past and you can see why. He knows his way around that ring like he knows his way around his own living room.

Image source, Matchroom/Mark Robinson

Someone told Josh Warrington there was bottomless gravy on the hotel buffet after the weigh in....

Image source, Mark Robinson/Matchroom

So far tonight we've seen a notable result as the British featherweight title changed hands.

Nottingham's Leigh Wood stopped Reece Mould in the ninth.

Nottingham Forest were tuned in it seems.

Josh Warrington's hands are being wrapped so we are closing in on tonight's main event.

Remember it's 30 wins from 30 outings for Warrington, so he's seen all this before.

Warrington is a big believer in visualisation. He works hard at picturing ring walks, results and key moments on fight night well in advance.

He also likes to run on times with Mike Costello's commentary on the night he won the IBF world title playing in his ears. True story.

Image source, Mark Robinson/Matchroom

Steve Bunce
Boxing pundit on BBC Radio 5 Live

Warrington was persuaded to give up his titles.The one thing that is slightly disturbing is he hasn't fought since October 2019 and that was a walk over.

The fight before that was 12 very difficult rounds against Kid Galahad. Here we are in February of 2021. In that period since Josh fought, Lara has fought five times and been very active and busy. I wonder if he comes out with a solid game plan and creates some problems.

A points win, that's terrific for Josh to get 30 minutes but he needs to look good here. Let's hope he does because he deserves one of those big fights.

Image source, .

So Josh Warrington gave up his IBF world featherweight title because he wasn't a bit happy about being made to face Kid Galahad as his mandatory challenger.

He beat Galahad way back when in 2019 you may recall and a return trip wasn't on the agenda.

Now he's free of the politics that come with having a belt and wants to chase the biggest fights he can get in stadiums and in America if such travel is allowed.

So Mauricio Lara is a massive underdog and a banana skin. Being a Mexican, he will likely be tougher than steel toe cap. Little wonder Warrington is ready for a hard night and you can read more on his preparation here.

Mike Costello
Commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live at the SSE Arena

Lara doesn't seem to have enough to trouble Warrington.

He doesn't seem particularly quick, powerful or elusive. That's easy to say on the outside though.

I think its awkward for Warrington in terms of psychology after the massive fan base he has built up. He, as much as any British fighter, will miss not fighting in front of a crowd. I think after all that's happened and given he's not been active since 2019, it's a difficult one psychologically for him.

BBC Radio 5 Live

This fight is live on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Mike Costello, analyst Steve Bunce and former world champion Barry Jones are ringside.

You'll be able to listen by clicking play at the top of this page when they go to air in about 30 minutes give or take.

So what do Mike and Buncey think will happen? More on that next.

Image source, Getty Images

So how are you one and all?

If you're from Leeds, put the kettle on because your boy is on.

If you're just craving some good British boxing then go get the Union Jack out of the loft because it's on.

We're on #bbcboxing and you my friends are very welcome here.

Noel Whelan, David Batty, Harry Ramsden (yes, the chippy gent), say it with me.... "Leeds, Leeds, Leeds, Leeds..."

Much has changed since Josh Warrington last fought.

Back in 2019 we were all allowed to go to pubs and boxing events for a right good night of fun and games.

Image source, Getty Images

Fast forward some 16 months give or take and well, it's all change.

The Leeds man is back in action. He's no longer a world champion but he's talking up a big year to come. We all need one don't we?

Welcome one and all. Let's do this.