Josh Warrington has the bit between his teeth again and cannot wait for big bout

Josh Warrington claims he has rediscovered the “bit between my teeth” ahead of his world featherweight title showdown against Kiko Martinez on Saturday night.

Warrington vacated his IBF title 14 months ago in expectation he would face another world champion but a supposed tune-up weeks later against little-known Mexican Mauricio Lara produced a monumental upset.

An attempt to avenge a ninth-round stoppage – Warrington’s first professional defeat – was thwarted by an accidental clash of heads early into last September’s rematch as a technical draw was declared.

But as he seeks to draw a line under a disastrous 2021 by reclaiming his old crown in his home city of Leeds, Warrington believes he has the mentality back that saw him become world champion.

He told the PA news agency: “At the back end of 2019 I was loving the sport, I was top of the world. But I had 15 months out then just took a little tickover fight and ended up getting knocked out.

“The rematch, there was rehab, questions about whether I was still there and had I lost it? The camp was enough to beat Lara but it wasn’t the best camp. What happened happened in the fight.

“But as I got back in the gym and started camp, I had the bit between my teeth like I had of old, like I was on the way up. I’m loving it and I can’t wait for fight night.

“Some boxing experts are saying ‘he’s seen better days’, I thrive off that and I want to show them wrong. Physically I’m in really good condition and mentally confidence is through the roof.”

THE FINAL FACE OFF