LEEDS: Leeds fighter Josh Warrington was stunned on home soil on Saturday evening as Luis Alberto Lopez won on points to take the IBF featherweight world title. Warrington, 32, was hoping to stage a successful defence of the title he reclaimed in March. But Mexican Lopez, 29, edged a close fight to hand Warrington the second defeat of his professional career. The decision was greeted with boos from the disappointed home fans at Leeds Arena. Warrington’s future is now uncertain, with victory expected to have led to lucrative fights abroad.
Conlan produces sensational one-round knockout of Guerfi As it happened: Lopez dethrones Warrington in Leeds “I understand the fight was close in stages,” Warrington told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He started off like a train and kept coming forward. “I kept working inside and could hear him wincing to the body constantly. “I look back and think I could have done more.” Warrington unable to deliver for expectant home crowd
This was the first time Warrington had taken to the ring since beating Spain’s Kiko Martinez with a seventh-round stoppage nine months ago to win back the belt he had first held between 2018 and January 2021. Warrington won that contest despite sustaining a broken jaw during the bout and the Englishman had been out of the ring since to recuperate. His return to the Leeds Arena for a 12th time on Saturday drew a huge and vocal home crowd, who were hoping to see their hero triumph having earlier watched England lose to France in the World Cup quarter-finals. Josh Warrington looked dejected as he applauded the fans after the fight
The atmosphere was electric as Warrington emerged shortly before 11pm, but straight from the outset Lopez made life difficult for him with his movement and aggression. It was not a good sign for Warrington after his nose was bloodied in the opening round, and Lopez continued to use his speed to evade his powerful throws. The Brit was never able to settle into a comfortable rhythm but there was little between the two over the next few rounds. Lopez grew in confidence as the rounds ticked away but a strong ninth for Warrington looked like it might be a turning point as he landed some strong shots. Warrington then unloaded everything he had in the final couple of rounds, hurting Lopez in the 11th and final rounds but ultimately it was not enough. “I’m really happy,” Lopez said.