Josh Warrington defends his IBF world featherweight title against Carl Frampton in an all-British blockbuster, live and exclusive on BT Sport Box Office on December 22.
The Leeds man defeated Lee Selby to claim his first world championship and is now pitted against one of the best 126 pounders around.
Discussing the clash and his victory over Selby, Warrington said: “I actually felt like I was cruising in second gear in my fight against Lee Selby, boxing to instruction.
“Going into the second half of the fight I sat down on the stool and asked the old man if it was time to go up a gear, but he just wanted me to carry on doing what I was doing – making him look daft and out-boxing the boxer.
“It was against all odds, especially with most people giving me no chance whatsoever. It was very satisfying and I backed up everything that I said.
“It was a helluva night and one that will stay with me until the day I die. Now I have got this world title I am not giving it up any time soon.
“In my own head, when Carl moved up to featherweight and all my pals said he is coming for me now, I knew he had one hell of a fanbase and is one great fighter.
“I said in the head-to-head that I have enjoyed watching Carl over the years and I’ve almost been a bit of a fan watching him in some of his fights.
“As soon as someone comes into your division you start keeping tabs on them and keeping your eye out for fights down the line.
“Obviously after beating Lee there were options to have steady voluntaries, but there aren’t easy fights at world level because everybody wants to be where you are.
“I treat everybody with the same mindset and I train my b*llocks off just like I do for every fight and work as hard as I can because it means that much to me, winning and going forward.
PROVE
“When the Carl fight came along it whetted the appetite and as a champion, you want to prove yourself as the best.
“I am ranked No.2 behind Carl and I believe I am No.1, simple as that really. Boxing fans want to see this and boxing is thriving in this day and age.
“Some big fights aren’t happening because there are a few out there still digging in their heels, but I am a fighting man and I want to prove myself against the best.”
Tickets go on sale for Warrington vs Frampton on Wednesday at 12pm. Tickets will be available to purchase via Ticketmaster and Eventim.
