Kiko Martinez Set To Defend Featherweight Title Against Josh Warrington

Kiko Martinez has been given a green signal to defend his IBF featherweight title Josh Warrington (30-1-1, 7 KOs) in early 2022.

According to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, both fighters have agreed to terms of exchanging punches on March 26. The rematch is expected to bring out the best versions of both stars.

Warrington took the victory in the 2017 clash with a majority decision. However, the 35-year-old boxer hasn’t been at his best lately which could be troublesome for him.

Since he beat Warrington in the first showdown, he went on to suffer losses against Gary Russell Jr and Zelfa Barrett. He is coming off a stoppage victory over Kid Galahad which Martinez could use as a stepping stone to raising his stocks again.

To continue reigning the featherweight division, he needs to roll back the years in March to wobble the 31-year-old IBF champion.
Warrington is not on fire either.

The challenger has featured twice in 2021 both times against Mauricio Lara. The first bout ended in a stoppage loss to Lara, whereas the second technical draw a nasty clash of heads that forced an early stoppage.

This denied Warrington the win he was looking for to avenge the first loss. He could redeem himself with the title win against Martinez.