Josh Warrington Details Retirement Reversal Before Leigh Wood Showdown
Josh Warrington has opened up about his decision to return to boxing, less than two years after he believed his career was over. The former world champion retired following a defeat to Anthony Cacace in 2024, but is now set for a rematch with Leigh Wood tomorrow night, hoping to reignite his trajectory in the sport.
From Retirement to Resurrection: Warrington's Journey
Warrington laid down his gloves on the Wembley canvas after losing to Cacace, a symbolic gesture that marked his retirement at the time. This loss represented his third consecutive defeat, leading him to conclude that his time in the ring had ended. However, just 17 months later, he is preparing for a pivotal bout against Wood, with aspirations of catapulting himself back into championship contention.
"I was retired for three weeks; I didn't officially announce it but I was mourning my career for a little bit," Warrington explained. "I decided to continue because I felt like I had more than enough to do more in this sport, even though I've achieved so much. I've made loads of great memories over the years but I keep getting better and better in the gym."
Enhanced Mindset and Physical Preparedness
Warrington attributes his comeback to a renewed sense of maturity and improved physical conditioning. He emphasized that his training numbers have shown significant gains, and he feels more prepared than ever. "I've got a more mature mindset and physically the numbers are getting better and stronger," he stated. "I've had a kick up the backside, I feel fantastic and I'm going to show that on the night."
Reflections on the First Fight and Strategy for the Rematch
In their initial encounter in 2023, Warrington was ahead on all three judges' scorecards after six rounds. However, Wood managed to drop and ultimately stop him, retaining his featherweight world title. This time, only bragging rights are at stake in their Nottingham sequel, but Warrington is confident in his approach.
"I can't see what Leigh can do differently," Warrington asserted. "He tried to punch me in the first fight; we boxed him, we outfought him, we did everything we had to do but we left ourselves open. He caught me with a fantastic shot and five clean ones after that and it was over. We know what not to do this time around and what to press him with and I'm very confident the fight will go early."
Warrington's return represents a significant moment in his career, as he seeks to prove that his retirement was merely a temporary setback. With a focused strategy and enhanced physical readiness, he aims to demonstrate his resilience and skill in the ring against a formidable opponent.
