Matchroom Sport will make their return to Leeds on September 5th, when hometown favourite Josh Warrington takes on Australia’s Joel Brunker in what represents a stern test for the British 126 lb #2 as he defends his Commonwealth title from the First Direct Arena live on Sky Sports.
It certainly will be a good fight for comparative purposes as to how far behind Warrington is in relation to new IBF 126 lb champion Lee Selby, who boxed and outclassed Brunker himself in October of last year, securing a 9th round stoppage – although the tough and experienced Aussie gave the Welshman a little trouble early on depsite the Welshman rarely getting out of first gear.
While Selby is head and shoulders above the rest of the British featherweights in terms of class, Warrington is determined to show he also belongs in the mix with a statement performance of his own against Brunker.
He said via his promoters Matchroom;
“I’m delighted to be defending my Commonwealth title at the First Direct Arena – it’s my home, and Joel Brunker is the perfect opponent for me. I think it will be a very good fight. 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.”
Assuming that Warrington does come through his defence against Brunker, then promoter Eddie Hearn will possibly be looking to set up a challenge to IBF champion Lee Selby somewhere down the line, although it will be an extremely hard sell.
Sadly, most British fans with more than a casual association to the sport will see this as a similar mis-match to the upcoming lightweight fight between Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle, although obviously this would have a world title on the line. There would only be one winner if it came off.
Warrington said;
” This is another significant step up for me (vs Brunker) but everytime I’ve stepped up a level, I’ve won titles and delivered – British, European, Commonwealth and now heading to world level.”
“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.”
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