Josh Warrington claimed the WBC International Featherweight title against durable Filipino Dennis Tubieron with a wide points win in front of a huge hometown crowd at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
Warrington pummelled the game visitor for vast swathes of the fight, but he could not put Tubieron away as the 25 year old provided the stiffest resistance possible and also troubled Warrington at times with hard shots of his own.
The Leeds star was well on top though in front of his adoring and vocal support, and while both men heard the final bell, Warrington was awarded the win 119-109, 119-110 and 119-109 on the judges’ scorecards.
The result will improve the 24 year old’s standing in the WBC and with domestic rival Lee Selby watching from ringside for Sky Sports ahead of his World title shot on May 30, Warrington said he will look to defend his European crown before hunting down a clash with the Welshman, who he tipped to win the World title.
“First of all, I want to give massive credit to Dennis Tubieron, he is hard as nails,” said Warrington. “A couple of times I thought I had him and was going to get him out of there and full credit, he is a tough opponent.
“I wanted to take my time, try a few things differently. I still have plenty more to bring. I have trained since Christmas and I am always improving.
“I have a mandatory for my the European so that’s what I will look to do next, come back here and entertain these guys and get a bit more experience under my belt.
“I would 100 per cent like to fight Lee Selby. I wish him all the best and hope he goes and gets a World title. I think it would sell out a stadium if Lee and I were to get it on so it is definitely a fight that will happen.
“I will go back to the gym and try and improve my game all round. I took a few shots I didn’t need to. I want to say a massive thank you to everybody who has turned out tonight; the best crowd not just in Britain but in the world. From first bell to last it was unbelievable noise.”
