Josh Warrington will defend his IBF featherweight title against mandatory challenger Kid Galahad after Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions won the purse bid for the fight.
Warrington (28-0, 6KOs) defeated Carl Frampton on points in December but had publicly stated that he wanted to face one of the other world champions in the division, such as WBO titleholder Oscar Valdez (24-0, 19KOs) or WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz (35-1, 19 KOs).
But the Leeds fighter is now set to face fellow Briton Galahad (26-0, 15 KOs), who is ranked No. 1 in the IBF rankings. A date or venue for the fight has yet to be confirmed.
Posting on social media, Warrington confirmed that he had wanted to face Valdez or Santa Cruz in order to set up a unification fight, but welcomed the bout with 28-year-old Galahad.
“Santa Cruz, Valdez or Barry [Awad, Galahad’s real name] was my wishlist of fights from left to right,” Warrington said. “But I’m a champion, and once my mandatory is dealt with, then I want no other fight but a unification!”
Galahad, who is managed by Warren’s rival promoter Eddie Hearn, is undefeated in 28 fights since making his debut in 2009.
“Respect to Josh for taking the fight,” he said. “Huge thanks to my promoter Eddie Hearn for his continued support in getting the fight. Your faith will be repaid.”