Josh Warrington made history by becoming the first boxer from Leeds to win a world title with a stunning split-decision upset victory over Wales’ Lee Selby.
Selby, who was cut above both eyes by accidental head clashes inside the first six rounds, could not recover from a superb start by the Yorkshireman.
The judges scored the contest 116-112 115-113 113-115, giving Warrington the IBF world featherweight title at Elland Road, home of his beloved Leeds United.
Warrington, 27, came into the fight as a 4-1 outsider with the bookmakers but produced the performance of a lifetime, showing relentless energy and courage as he continued to power forward for 36 pulsating minutes.
Selby, 31, had said he would be at ease in the “Lion’s Den” but he could not overcome what Warrington served up in front of a hostile crowd as he moved to 27 wins from as many bouts.
The Welshman came back into the contest in the middle rounds but Warrington finished strongly and could now be set for a trip to Belfast to face former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton in August.
6
0
0