Featherweight world titlist Josh Warrington will defend his belt for the third time when he meets Sofiane Takoucht on Oct. 12 in a hometown defense at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England, promoter Frank Warren announced on Wednesday.
The fight, which will stream live in the United States on ESPN+, was formally announced at a news conference in Leeds, where Warrington will fight for the ninth time in his past 10 bouts.
The fight also figures to represent at least somewhat of a breather for Warrington (29-0, 6 KOs), whose past three fights have come against top opponents, all decisions, against Lee Selby to win the 126-pound belt 15 months ago, former two-division titlist Carl Frampton in December and dangerous mandatory challenger Kid Galahad on June 15.
Takoucht (35-3-1, 13 KOs), 33, a southpaw from France, has yet to face a top opponent, though he has won eight fights in a row — albeit against very low-level opposition, including foes with records such as 31-97-4, 4-19-2, 3-9 and 10-15-1 during that stretch.
He said he has no problem traveling to fight Warrington in his hometown.
“When the call came to travel to Leeds and challenge Josh I said yes straight away,” Takoucht said. “It’s a chance to beat the best featherweight in the world. He beat Lee Selby when nobody thought he could win and then a great fighter, Carl Frampton. It was close against Kid Galahad, but he found a way to win. I am sure he will look at me and think I am easier than his last three opponents, but I won’t let this opportunity go. Get ready for a shock.”
Warrington, 28, said that despite Takoucht’s thin resume, which somehow got him ranked No. 4 in the IBF rankings, he will not look past him.
“From what I’ve seen, Takoucht is tough and got his IBF ranking through hard work,” Warrington said. “This is a massive opportunity for him. I have to stay focused and not take my eye off the ball because I am after the biggest fights in the division.”
Promoter Frank Warren said he would have liked to work with Top Rank to make a title unification fight between Warrington and Mexico’s Oscar Valdez, but Valdez last week elected to vacate his belt and move up in weight after six defenses rather than make a mandatory defense against Shakur Stevenson.
“We wanted to make the Oscar Valdez unification fight for Josh, but (Valdez) is giving up the WBO title and moving up in weight,” Frampton said. “I know how much Josh wants the WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz but he doesn’t seem keen right now. If you look at the IBF ratings No. 1 and 2 are vacant and Takoucht was pretty much the next available contender.”
Warren also announced that the card will include Zelfa Barrett (22-1,13 KOs), 26, of England, who will make the first defense of his Commonwealth junior lightweight title against Jordan McCorry (18-6-4, 4 KOs), 28, of Scotland.