Eddie Hearn announces Josh Warrington's next fight on Instagram

Joe HewlettJoe Hewlett24 March 2020
Eddie Hearn and Josh Warrington have joined forces once again

Eddie Hearn and Josh Warrington have joined forces once again

Eddie Hearn seems to be adapting to self isolation quite well after announcing Josh Warrington’s next fight on Instagram.

The Matchroom Boxing promoter held a live broadcast on the social media platform, which included online chats with Conor Benn, Billy Joe Saunders and Dillian Whyte.

The ‘Leeds Warrior’ also featured, speaking to Hearn about the coronavirus epidemic, training and his deal in place to unify the featherweight division.

Speaking about the blockbuster, Hearn said: "We have agreed terms with Can Xu to have that big fight for you in the summer, hopefully. WBA 'super' title hopefully on the line. IBF title, probably Ring Magazine belt."

Homecoming fight to be rescheduled 

Hearn exclusively revealed to Boxing365 in Headingley, Leeds, about wanting to confirm Warrington’s opponent within two weeks.

However, COVID-19 then happened, which forced sport to take a back seat. Last week, the British Board of Control postponed all boxing events until May.

Warrington, who became world champion after dethroning Lee Selby at Elland Road, is hoping they can still stage the contest at Headingley Stadium, home to Rugby League’s Leeds Rhinos.

"I do believe we were at the stage where we were about to announce a fight and a date," Warrington told Sky Sports News. "We talked about going to Headingley for a unification fight, so I'm hoping that can still happen.
"I know that Headingley were going to be flexible with the dates, so hopefully when all this blows over, we can get a fight date sorted later in the year.
"It's what I've been screaming for the last few years. From winning the world title and defending it against some of the world's best. I'm desperate to win another belt. You wrack your brains, you just keep training and plugging away, and you're at a stage when it's about to announce, and all of a sudden, it gets ripped under your feet.
"It's a little bit frustrating, but I've had a little sulk, had a little bit of a moan, but I can't get too worked up, because a lot of people are in worse off situations, worse off scenarios than myself."

Warrington had been linked with WBO titlist Shakur Stevenson although talks cooled following his cancelled defence against Miguel Marriaga this month. 

Elsewhere, a Yorkshire Derby could be served up with Kid Galahad once again mandatory to Warrington’s IBF crown. The pair previously collided in June, 2019, with Warrington edging out Dominic Ingle’s man on points.
Hearn now represents both fighters and while a rematch is possible, the more sensible option would be for Warrington to unify the division before moving up to chase fighters against the likes of Leo Santa Cruz and Oscar Valdez and vacate the world title to allow Galahad a second chance to become world champion.