Josh Warrington v Kid Galahad Preview

It is not just all about the heavyweight division this weekend with Tyson Fury’s Las Vegas debut as a big domestic fight takes place in Leeds on Saturday as Josh Warrington faces Kid Galahad.

IBF world featherweight champion Warrington puts his title on the line against Galahad and this has the potential to be one of the best fights in Britain this year.

Warrington answering every challenge in the ring

Warrington has been an underdog in his most recent fights but the Leeds boxer has deservedly become world champion after confounding the odds against several top-level opponents.

He has won all 28 professional fights and progressed from a talented domestic boxer to the top of his division.

The 28-year-old has an exceptional work rate in the ring with his tireless energy putting fighters under constant pressure.

Warrington does not have huge power at the weight, with only six stoppages, but he is extremely difficult to stop.

After Commonwealth and British title victories, Warrington faced IBF world champion Lee Selby at Elland Road last year.

The home boxer was a 4/1 outsider, despite the passionate Leeds support, but produced an outstanding performance to win the world title.

A dominant start to the bout put Warrington in control and he won a split decision to become the first world champion from Leeds.

Warrington’s first title defence came in December against Carl Frampton in Manchester and the champion again upset the odds to maintain his unbeaten run in one of the fights of 2018.

A blistering start stunned Frampton with the Northern Ireland boxer almost knocked down inside the opening round.

Warrington’s relentless tempo continued to put him under pressure and he clinched a unanimous decision.

It was an exceptional victory as former world champion Frampton lost for only the second time in his career.

Warrington’s performances rightly earned his status as 3/10 favourite this weekend although he faces a dangerous opponent.

Unbeaten Galahad poses a threat

Galahad is also unbeaten with a record of 26 victories, 15 of those coming inside the distance.

The Sheffield boxer, who was born in Qatar, is the mandatory challenger for Warrington’s IBF belt.

Galahad, who was given a doping ban in 2016 which was backdated, is focused on winning a world title at the first attempt.

The 26-year-old earned his opportunity after a one-sided points win in Sheffield over Brayan Mairena in December.

Galahad and his trainer Dominic Ingle claim they will expose Warrington’s lack of hunger and focus but it is difficult to envisage the champion taking his eye off the ball for his latest title defence.

Warrington v Galahad: The Verdict

Warrington deserves to be the favourite after his outstanding displays against Selby and Frampton although Galahad will have his supporters at 5/2.

This fight looks set to go the distance with the odds as short as 1/4 on the boxers seeing the final bell. Warrington is not a big puncher and 22 of his 28 bouts have gone to the scorecards.

Three of Galahad’s last four fights have also gone to the judges so the likelihood is they will be required again.

😠 HOSTILE TERRITORY 😠

Josh Warrington and Kid Galahad are ready to settle their bad blood 👊

You don't want to miss this all-British World Title fight tomorrow! #WarringtonGalahad pic.twitter.com/YpLoVHbzy6

— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) June 14, 2019

The challenger will need to dominate to win a decision, with the champion backed by the home crowd, so it is difficult to see Warrington losing on points.

The champion’s phenomenal work rate and willingness to bombard Galahad with a flurry of punches will put him under pressure and he may struggle to withstand the attacks.

But ultimately a stoppage looks unlikely and Warrington should hold onto his title with a third successive victory by decision. The short odds are understandable and 4/6 on a points win looks by far and away the most likely outcome.

Tip: Josh Warrington to win by decision or technical decision