Warrington To Defend Titles Against Brunker In Leeds

Josh Warrington will defend his WBC International and Commonwealth Featherweight title against Joel Brunker at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on September 5, live on Sky Sports.

Warrington makes the third defence of the title he claimed in Hull in November 2013, and will look to add the challenger to the impressive scalps of Rendall Munroe and Martin Lindsay.

Brunker is no stranger to British shores, having faced newly-crowned IBF champion Lee Selby in London in October, and Warrington believes the Australian will bring the best out of him.

“I’m delighted to be defending my Commonwealth title at the First Direct Arena again – it’s my home and Joel Brunker is the perfect opponent for me,” said Warrington. “I think it will be a very good fight against Brunker, he’s a come forward fighter, busy, and will make it difficult for me – but I’m ready for whatever he can bring.

“I’ve watched Selby’s fight with Brunker back a few times and to be honest, until Lee stopped him, it wasn’t his best performance – I’m confident I can put on a vintage performance and go one better. I was happy for Lee to win the World title, good on him – but I’m not thinking about him yet, Brunker has my full attention.

“It’s another significant step-up for me, but every time I’ve stepped up a level, I’ve won titles and delivered – from British, European, Commonwealth and now heading to World level. “Since my last fight I’ve had some much needed time off. I boxed in Berlin and Leeds in quick succession. To be honest I haven’t had a break from camp since the European Title fight against Davide Dieli.

“It’s given me some time to focus on my house and get engaged to my girlfriend in Mexico – my batteries are fully recharged and I’m raring to go. I can’t wait, I’ve got such a buzz already in training. The whole city will be buzzing with the news and I can’t wait to hear the crowd roar me on to victory on September 5.”

Undercard fights will be announced prior to the ticket on-sale date.

Tickets are on sale from midday on Tuesday June 30 to Matchroom Fight Pass members from www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £30, £40, £60, £100 and £150 for VIP tickets.

Tickets go on general sale from midday on Wednesday July 1 from the First Direct Arena on 0844 248 1585 and at www.firstdirectarena.com. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com.