Josh Warrington put in a superb, tireless display against Carl Frampton to retain his IBF featherweight world title.
The thriller in Manchester saw both men trading in the centre of the ring at periods, as Warrington set an incredible pace from the first bell.
Frampton was bidding to become a four-time world champion, but instead Warrington extended his record to 28-0 and almost dropped his fellow Brit in the opening round.
More: Boxing
Warrington was pushed back by Framptons astute shot selection as the Northern Irishman looked to force himself back into the contest after a disappointing start.
Frampton was the resounding favourite heading into the contest, but just like seven months ago when Warrington claimed his world title, the Leeds fighters front-foot mentality could not be halted.
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All three judges ringside gave Warrington victory, with one scorecard reading 116-113 and the other two 116-112.
Warrington now moves into 2019 with an eye on a unification battle in his sights, with Oscar Valdez touted as the most likely champion opponent.
It takes two to make a fight like that and I have always been a fan of his — I still am now, Warrington said in the ring afterwards.
I want to keep what he said to me after the fight personal. But one thing he did say is good luck going forward and I hope you unify the division.
Frampton was gracious in defeat, as the 31-year-old fell to just the second loss of his career.
Josh won the fight fair and square, absolutely. There are no excuses from me, I was in incredible shape and the better man won, he said.
I hope he goes on to great things and unifies the division. I was fit and strong, and Josh was fitter and stronger.
MORE: Anthony Joshua tells Dillian Whyte he can have rematch in April
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Josh Warrington put in a superb, tireless display against Carl Frampton to retain his IBF featherweight world title.
The thriller in Manchester saw both men trading in the centre of the ring at periods, as Warrington set an incredible pace from the first bell.
Frampton was bidding to become a four-time world champion, but instead Warrington extended his record to 28-0 and almost dropped his fellow Brit in the opening round.
More: Boxing
Warrington was pushed back by Framptons astute shot selection as the Northern Irishman looked to force himself back into the contest after a disappointing start.
Frampton was the resounding favourite heading into the contest, but just like seven months ago when Warrington claimed his world title, the Leeds fighters front-foot mentality could not be halted.
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All three judges ringside gave Warrington victory, with one scorecard reading 116-113 and the other two 116-112.
Warrington now moves into 2019 with an eye on a unification battle in his sights, with Oscar Valdez touted as the most likely champion opponent.
It takes two to make a fight like that and I have always been a fan of his — I still am now, Warrington said in the ring afterwards.
I want to keep what he said to me after the fight personal. But one thing he did say is good luck going forward and I hope you unify the division.
Frampton was gracious in defeat, as the 31-year-old fell to just the second loss of his career.
Josh won the fight fair and square, absolutely. There are no excuses from me, I was in incredible shape and the better man won, he said.
I hope he goes on to great things and unifies the division. I was fit and strong, and Josh was fitter and stronger.
MORE: Anthony Joshua tells Dillian Whyte he can have rematch in April
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