'Frustrated' Josh Warrington reacts to Anthony Cacace fight change

Josh Warrington has spoken of his 'disappointment and frustration' at not being able to fight for the IBF World title on Saturday night.

The belt will not be on the line for Warrington as his opponent - and IBF champion - Anthony Cacace is due for a mandatory defence against Eduardo Nunez, while Warrington is not ranked by the sanctioning body.

The bout has been approved as a one-time exemption for Belfast boxer Cacace, whose lesser regarded IBO strap will be up for grabs on Saturday.

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The IBF ruling has denied Warrington the chance to become a two-weight world champion, after previously holding the IBF featherweight belt on two separate occssions.

The Leeds man said: "It's come to light today but we have known for a while, that the IBF World super-featherweight title will not be on the line anymore for my fight with Anthony Cacace this Saturday night.

"The IBO belt will still be on the line. Nothing really changes in terms of my mindset. We are still going in there to win. It's still a fight.

"Frustrated, disappointed. Yes I am. After being a two-time IBF featherweight world champion and having six world title fights with the IBF. Plenty of dosh being made in sanctioning fees.

"I am disappointed I am not able to fight for this after being given the green light initially. They moved the goal posts at the last minute."

Many boxing fans have predicted Cacace-Warrington to be the fight of the night on Saturday. They will clash on the undercard of the huge heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.

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Warrington believes the absence of a major title won't detract from what should be a barnstorming clash.

"There have been many great non-title fights over the years. Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward wasn't for a world title. Some of the big fights we do remember as classics weren't for world titles," Warrington added.

"My focus has not changed. The IBO World title is still there. It might be regarded as a minor title these days, but I will still be calling myself a three-time world champion after Saturday.

"So I am fully focused and the fight is still on."

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