Kiko Martínez Set to Defend IBF-126 World Strap Against Warrington March 26 in Leeds, England
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 08 Jan 2022
Spain’s IBF featherweight world champion Kiko “La Sensación” Martínez can’t wait to make the first defense of his red ‘n golden strap in an intriguing rematch against British former world champion Josh Warrington on March 26 in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds in Yorkshire, the United Kingdom.
In their first war for a regional belt, Josh Warrington outpointed Kiko Martínez in a competitive 12-rounder majority decision four and a half years ago in Leeds.
The 35-year-old Kiko Martínez (43-10-2, 30 KO’s), living in Alicante, is enjoying his second IBF reign as a world champ at 126, as years ago he was also a world champion at 122.
The coming-forward Español warrior Kiko Martínez – born in the City of Elx en la Comunidad Valenciana – conquered his current IBF featherweight world crown by knocking out then unbeaten champ Kid Galahad in 6 chapters just last November in Sheffield, England; and that was one heck of a knock out.
Meanwhile, challenger former champ Josh Warrington (30-1-1, 7 KO’s) reaches this new world title rumble after a tough 2021 in which he was knocked out in 9 rounds by Mexican Mauricio “Bronco” Lara (23-2, 16 KO’s) last March in Leeds.
Will Kiko knock him out too?
It will be the Briton's second attempt to become again the IBF featherweight World Champion.
The 31-year-old Josh Warrington already reigned as IBF-126 champ, defending Belt a few times, battling formidable opponents such as Lee Selby, Carl Frampton and Kid Galahad.
So, what fans wonder is if the cool, nice and friendly Kiko Martínez be successful in defeating the tough, battle-tested Josh Warrington for a good first defense?
Or will the experienced British former champ regain the red ‘n golden IBF 126 strap that once belonged to him?
The Martinez vs Warrington rematch on March 26 is being promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, live on DAZN.
Buena suerte Kiko!
The author Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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