Josh Warrington has vacated his IBF world featherweight title after the governing body blocked his proposed unification fight later this year.
The unbeaten British superstar (30-0) was now hoping to face WBA king Xu Can on April 24, after the Chinese star (18-2) had opted out of their February date due to the lack of a crowd with COVID-19 restrictions in place.
But that will now not happen after the IBF blocked the unification match. Warrington instead will look to face Can or American WBC title holder Gary Russell (31-1) with the coveted Ring magazine belt on the line.
In the meantime, the 30-year-old ‘Leeds Warrior’ will have his first fight since October 2019 when he meets Mexican Mauricio Laura (21-2) on Saturday February 13.
“It’s so important for Josh to be in a mega fight after Lara on February 13,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.
“He has his heart set on the Ring belt and it’s up to us to make the Can or Russell fights for April or early May.
“I’ve been working hard with Robert Diaz of Golden Boy to close Xu Can and also had several conversations with Luis De Cubas regarding a Gary Russell bout - both fights are Fight of the Year contenders.”
Warrington meanwhile says he is bent on facing the best, and that is why he has made the difficult decision to vacate.
“It’s disappointing we couldn’t have the IBF title on the line, but I can’t let those decisions stand in the way of me going down in British boxing history by facing the very best in the division.
“I’ve always dreamt about winning the Ring belt, for me it leaves no doubt who the king of the division is. Right now, my mind and focus is on Lara for February 13 and then I’m looking to pick up that beautiful red and blue belt.”
Warrington vs Lara on February 13 will air live on Sky Sports in the UK, while streaming platform DAZN will show the bout in the United States and around 200 other markets globally.
