Josh Warrington ready to do battle with a dangerous mandatory!
When it comes to the featherweights, it’s a division that’s full of good and talented fighters.
However, the question remains of who is willing to separate themselves and willing to step out as the best in the division?
One fighter seemingly ready to prove he’s the division’s best is IBF Featherweight champion Josh Warrington. He will defend the title on June 15 in his hometown of Leeds, England against the IBF’s top featherweight contender, “Kid” Galahad.
This fight has ramifications throughout the division and because of that, 3KingsBoxing is here to provide a preview and prediction.
Josh Warrington
Age: 28
Location: Leeds, England
The undefeated fighter known as “The Leeds Warrior”, Warrington (28-0, 6 KO’s) fights with a tenacity that few fighters can match.
His intensity is obvious to those who have seen him fight, but the underrated aspect about the defending champion is he’s quite the multifaceted fighter with very good boxing skills. Warrington does not carry one-punch power, but he has enough power to gain his opponent’s respect.
However, it’s the volume punching, his outstanding conditioning and sheer desire that carrieshim over the top and tends to intimidate opponents.
Keys to Victory
Bring the intensity and keep this fight at a high pace. Galahad is measured in his approach, but Warrington has the quicker fight.
The challenger has never been in the ring with someone who brings the work-rate that Warrington does.
If the champion sets the tone early, establishes the jab, makes this fight about skill and will, he has an excellent chance of not only winning, but dominating.
Kid Galahad
Age: 29
Location: Sheffield, England
At his best, Galahad is a boxer who likes to keep the bout in the center of the ring. With quick hands and good power, the challenger (26-0, 15 KO’s) is a technician who can fight either as an orthodox or southpaw.
The challenger’s best attributes are his jab and his demeanor. Up to this point in his career, Galahad does an excellent job of always keeping his cool throughout a fight.
He sports an excellent jab from either orthodox or southpaw fighting stance, with his best power-punch being the straight left-hand while fighting as a southpaw.
Keys to Victory
Maintain your cool throughout, keep the fight at the center of the ring and find a way to hurt the champ. Warrington is fast and active, but he can be hit.
For Galahad to win, he must slow down the pace of this bout and make this a match of skills.
Fighting in the champions home crowd in what is sure to be a very hostile environment, the challenger must maintain his cool and focus for all twelve rounds.
If lured into a war, his task will become that much more difficult.
Prediction
There’s legit history and beef between Josh Warrington and Kid Galahad, with Warrington twice defeating Galahad during their amateur days. Can Galahad flip the script as professionals?
The answer is no. It’s not that Galahad is not a good fighter, but what the champion will bring to the table will be too much for him.
Warrington is just as fast as Galahad and throws far more punches. Plus, the champion seems to have an endless reserve of stamina.
The will and activity of Warrington will be too much. Look for Galahad to have his moments, but in the end it will not be enough. Josh Warrington successfully defends his title by decision.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
