Josh Warrington appears to make retirement decision minutes after Anthony Cacace defeat
Josh Warrington appeared to suggest that he is set to retire from boxing following his defeat to Anthony Cacace.
There was controversy in the build-up to the bout after the IBF confirmed that Cacace's super-featherweight world title will not be on the line. The sanctioning body does not recognise Warrington as a challenger because of his inactivity in the super-featherweight division.
But when it came to the fight itself, Warrington struggled to impose himself on the champion during the 12-round contest. And following 36 minutes of action, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards.
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And, as many watching on would have expected, it was a wide margin of victory for Cacace. One judge had it 118-110 in his favour, and the other two scored it 117-111.
Following the reading of the result, Warrington took off his gloves and left them on the ring canvas. The move appeared to indicate that he could now announce his retirement from boxing.
A post from Matchroom Boxing on X then read: “Josh Warrington, two time World Champion. Some career if this is the end.”
During his 15-year career, the huge Leeds United supporter has won English, Commonwealth, British, European and World titles. He also made First Direct Arena his second home, as well as fighting at Elland Road and Headingley Rugby League Stadium.
Speaking in the build-up to his bout with Cacace, Warrington told DAZN: "It's for the name and the legacy. The last fight was a loss. No matter how well I boxed, it was a loss.
"I don't want to end it like that, and I still want to go to America. After that, I don't know. Once I start dipping, then I'll walk away."