Josh Warrington vs Sofiane Takoucht Set for October 12!
3kingsboxing has recently learned that IBF featherweight champion Josh “Leeds Warrior” Warrington will return to action this October 12, 2019.
Warrington will make his third title defense against the challenge of Sofiane “Baby Face” Takoucht (35-3-1, 13 KO’s). The upcoming title fight will take place at First Direct Arena located in Leeds, Yorkshire, UK. Look for the televised programming live on ESPN+.
This bout against the IBF’s #4 featherweight is something of a soft touch for the Leeds Warrior. However, this is not a knock against Warrington. The Leeds native has taken on three straight strenuous challenges and is due somewhat of a breather.
The first of the three saw him besting Lee “Lightning” Selby to initially claim the IBF belt. Warrington then fought featherweight tough guys, Carl Frampton and Kid Galahad.
“I hoped for a unification, but that isn’t mine, my management or Frank Warren’s fault. None of the champions seem to want it. I have to stay active, so we’re back in Leeds.
“The journey hasn’t finished. I would love the WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz. And if Shakur Stevenson wins the WBO title, I would line him up and give him 12 rounds of hell. But it’s this fight against Takoucht I’m thinking about.”
Takoucht is presently on an eight-fight win-streak that dates back to 2014. Although, this run has been saturated with underwhelming opposition. One of these assignments, Elemir Rafael, had a whopping 97 losses to his credit when he tangled with Baby Face! So while you can’t count anyone out, on paper, this is about as sure of a thing as sure things can be.
“Takoucht knows he has a massive opportunity in my back yard and it would be ridiculous to think this is a given. I am not there to make a statement, but show that if I step up to any of the other champions, I beat them. The fire is in my belly. I want a performance and must beat people like this in style.”
Prior to this fight being announced, it was common knowledge that featherweight contender Shakur Stevenson was gunning for a showdown with Warrington. While Warrington was not opposed to a fight with the fast rising talent, he did say he’d want Stevenson to secure a title first.
In fact, it was Warrington’s greatest desire to stage a unification bout next. However, nothing could be worked out with the other champions.
3kingsboxing will continue to provide coverage on this developing prizefight.
By: Bakari Simpson
