After a controversial split-decision win over Kid Galahad to retain his IBF world featherweight championship in Leeds, England on Saturday night, Josh Warrington wants title-unification fights in the U.S.
“I want to go on and try to push myself forward and win another belt and to test myself against other champions," said Warrington during his post-fight press conference after improving to 29-0 with six knockouts. "[Lee] Selby, [Carl] Frampton, Kid Galahad who else is there left for me to fight over here?
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"I’m ranked highly in all the governing bodies now, number two in the Ring Magazine, so it’s got to be another world champion for me. “[WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez] it would be a fantastic fight, or [WBA champion Leo] Santa Cruz he’s the top of the tree, isn’t he? And I’ve been saying for a long time, 'let’s go for the very best.'"
Warrington made the comments after edging Galahad by split decision (116-113, 113-115, 116-112 ) in a bout that many feel could have easily gone in favor of the challenger. Galahad disrupted Warrington’s high-pressure style and landed the more eye-catching shots, as he switched from orthodox to southpaw throughout the bout and tied up the champion at every available opportunity — for which he received a warning during the sixth round.
Galahad had nullified Warrington's offense for the majority of the bout and looked to be heading toward winning his first world title, but the champ landed some head shots that the Leeds crowd at First Direct Arena responded to and might have swayed the judges to rule in his favor.
Unbelievable support in the arena last night. Support from everywhere!
— Josh Warrington (@J_Warrington) June 16, 2019
Passion, noise and energy.
Thank you 👍👏 pic.twitter.com/ppv67XR2ei
Galahad didn't make any excuses after the narrow loss, as he saluted Warrington, instead.
#TeamGalahad pic.twitter.com/0TnW6uLNuO
— Barry Awad (@KidGalahad90) June 16, 2019
That being said, Galahad's promoter Eddie Hearn and fellow boxer Billy Joe Saunders thought that the challenger was robbed.
Head up @KidGalahad90 clear winner tonight 👍🏼
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) June 15, 2019
Boxing pisses me off for that reason robbery @KidGalahad90 put it all on the line
— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) June 15, 2019
Still, Warrington escaped the weekend with his title in tow and now looks to unify stateside.