JOSH Warrington can press reset on his unification dreams, wipe away the worst 18 months of his boxing career, and regain his old world title on Saturday night at the First Direct Arena in his native Leeds.

Starting 2020 as undefeated IBF featherweight champion, ‘The Leeds Warrior’ bizarrely gave up his world title to try and manoeuvre himself into bigger fights. But the gamble backfired when a marking time, non-title fight with a little-known Mexican blew up in his face.

Mauricio Lara bounced into Wembley Arena in February 2021 and dropped Warrington twice on route to a one-sided 9th round TKO upset. They rematched in September, but the fight was stopped due to an accidental clash of heads resulting in a technical draw.

After starting his career with 30 straight wins, Warrington’s career had hit the ropes. But then fate played in his favour when former rival Kid Galahad, who picked up Josh’s relinquished IBF belt, suffered a shock defeat of his own in his maiden defence.

Kiko Martinez was hand-picked for Galahad’s coming out party as new champion. But the veteran Spaniard landed a lottery punch overhand right to claim the world title at the age of 36, crowning a year of upsets in 2021.

Martinez and Warrington have history too. They boxed to a 12-round decision at the same Leeds venue back in 2017, with the local hero coming out on top via a majority decision.

The champion has been a prominent contender for the last 15 years. A former world champion at super-bantamweight, he’s also enjoyed numerous campaigns with the European crown.

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But November’s TKO of Galahad tops the lot. With one foot likely in retirement, he’s now got both feet firmly in the biggest pay day of his career this weekend. And few could begrudge him that.

It also means, even though he is the champion, Martinez (43-10-2) has nothing to lose. Again, he’s supposed to lose. Which makes him far more of a threat than he should be at this stage in his life.

The pressure is most definitely on Warrington (30-1-1), at home, to close the chapter on the last 18 months, regain his world title and initiate headlines regarding unification fights and trips to Madison Square Garden and Las Vegas for his massive Yorkshire following.

They say lightening never strikes twice, which spells a short reign for Kiko, whilst Warrington suffered enough over the two Lara fights to ensure he’s fully focused on the task at hand.

Martinez may have a moment or two and he’s got the strength of character to push through the distance. But if the first fight was deemed close by the judges, this fight will be anything but.

I can see Warrington being way too busy, far too accurate and just elusive enough to run away with this decision. And, make no mistake, he won’t be giving up this world title again for love nor money!

TIP: Warrington on Points