World champion Josh Warrington is determined to end 2022 on a high by beating Luis Alberto Lopez on Saturday before focusing on lucrative “dream” fights overseas next year.
Warrington, 32, defends his IBF featherweight world title in front of his home fans at Leeds Arena.
It’s his first fight since winning the belt back in March and Warrington says his passion for this fight and what the future may hold is stronger than ever.
“It’s still burning,” he said.
“Bigger paydays come after that, unification fights. I’ve been so close to that happening, but things like the pandemic and taking my eyes off the ball [happen].
“Now I’m back in that position. Take care of Saturday, then that’s a full year to get what we’ve always dreamed of, which is to fight another champion and get that day in the game. ‘outside.”
Warrington was speaking at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, where a confident Lopez told the Leeds fighter he wouldn’t leave without his belt.
The 29-year-old Mexican earned his title shot by stopping off Isaac Lowe in a knockout clash in London in December last year.
Lopez has won 26 of 28 fights in his career, 15 of them by knockout.
“I always come here as a warrior for war and I won’t go home without this world title,” he said.
“I come here full of ability and confident in my preparation. I come for the knockout.”
A lively atmosphere is expected at Leeds Arena, where the card will be split in two so football fans can watch England v France in the quarter-final of the World Cup at 19:00 GMT.
The penultimate fight of the evening will see Ebanie Bridges, 36, looking to defend her IBF bantamweight title against Shannon O’Connell, 39, in an all-Australian clash.
Leeds United fan Bridges, who has won her last two fights in West Yorkshire, said: “I take this very seriously and I don’t underestimate her at all. She’s a great fighter. I’m very confident in my skills, my mind and what I’m going to do, I just know that this belt will stay with me.
“I’m all about the entertainment. It’s what the fans want to see. I just can’t wait to raise my hand.”
Challenger O’Connell has long been aiming to try her luck at Bridges’ belt and fired verbal jabs at her compatriot earlier this year, calling her a “stripper”.
When the pair first came face-to-face on Thursday, O’Connell stood by his comments, “Everything I said, I meant it.
“Everyone you see on TV – do you have to like them? She makes herself a public figure and shows up to be judged.
“I have everything. She has nothing on me.”
