Warrington enjoying being underdog in eyes of the public

Josh Warrington intends to keep “proving people wrong” as he prepares to make the first defence of his IBF featherweight title.

Warrington feels the significance of becoming world champion at his beloved Elland Road by upsetting the odds against Lee Selby was slightly downplayed because of the Welshman’s struggles to make the 126lb limit.

The Yorkshireman is unfazed by being an underdog once more with the bookmakers ahead of his showdown against former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena tomorrow.

Indeed, Warrington believes his status relieves the pressure on his shoulders and feels another surprise victory would go a long way to silencing his doubters.

The 28-year-old told Press Association Sport: “I thought winning a world title would announce me on the world stage but I guess not. I guess you keep on fighting the big names and proving people wrong.

“To beat Lee Selby and Carl Frampton back-to-back in the same year would be some achievement. Carl has got a massive profile worldwide and a good win and people will start to know who Josh Warrington is.

“But there’s no pressure. I’m not meant to win, am I? I’m just meant to turn up, wave at the crowd and that’s it. But I always upset the party.

“They can’t deny my achievements when I beat Carl at the weekend.”

It is nearly two years since Frampton last fought for a world title, losing for the first time as a professional to Leo Santa Cruz in January 2017 having outpointed the American six months earlier.

The Northern Irishman has endured some fractious periods in the interim, including switching trainer and promoter, but has rebounded with three straight wins to get himself back into the world title picture.

Warrington believes Frampton is a worthy contender but added his foe may be in the last chance saloon at the elite level.

Josh Warrington is unfazed at being the underdog.