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5:51 p.m. update Josh Warrington makes his way to the ring, ready to defend his featherweight title
Josh Warrington puts his IBF featherweight title on the line on Saturday in front of his hometown fans when he faces Luis Alberto Lopez. The fight is taking place at First Direct Arena in Leeds, England and airs in the afternoon in America. The main event is expected to get going late in the 5 p.m. hour on DAZN.
Warrington is 31-1-1 and making his first defense of a title belt he recently regained when he beat Kiko Martinez via seventh round TKO. He held from 2018 to early 2020 before vacating it after inactivity. After a loss and a draw with Mauricio Lara in 2021, he bounced back to regain the title in March of this year.
Lopez comes into the bout with a 26-2 record and is making his first challenge for a major title. He briefly held the WBO International title and the Mexican Coast Pacific junior lightweight title, but that’s it among the belts. This is a step up for him.
Warrington comes into the bout as the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. He is a -140 favorite while Lopez is a +110 underdog. Total rounds is installed at 10.5 with the over priced at -220 and the under priced at +170. The favored fight outcome is a Warrington decision at +110. That’s followed by a Lopez stoppage at +185, a Lopez decision at +550, and a Warrington stoppage at +600.
Josh Warrington vs. Luis Alberto Lopez round-by-round results
Round 1: Warrington 10-9
After a quick start, both fighters slow down and seem to be examining each other. Lopez taunts Warrington and alerts the referee of Warrington’s use of his head. Lopez not afraid of the champion and fan favorite, using his reflexes and unorthodox stances. Warrington impressive with some early jabs.
Round 2: Lopez 10-9
Lopez connects with an early straight left and Warrington now leaking from his nose. Referee calls for a time as a clash of heads leaves Lopez with a noticeable gash near his left eye. Lopez more accurate and Warrington seems to be a bit out of touch.
Round 3: Lopez 10-9
Lopez controlling the tempo with nice right hands and shots to the body. Once again, the crowd anxiously waiting for Warrington to connect, but the champ looks out of control. Lopez looking like the better fighter at the moment.
Round 4: Lopez 10-9
Warrington lands an early over hand right, but Lopez seems unfazed. Lopez using his athleticism to escape Warrington’s combos. Warrington not as busy as usual and like the last round, Lopez controlling the tempo.
Round 5: Lopez 10-9
Lopez comes out with a sharp combination, once again outdealing Warrington. Lopez noticeably laughing at times as Warrington throws but misses power shots. Nice head movement from Lopez, able to dodge Warrington’s punches.
Round 6: Lopez 10-9
Warrington comes out with an early left hand. Lopez with a nice counter upper cut inside, ref allowing both fighters to hug each other. Very close round, but Lopez taking advantage of an over aggressive Warrington.
Round 7: Lopez 10-9
Lopez connecting well to the body. Warrington hits with a nice right hand that gets the crowd excited momentarily. Turning into a true grudge match and Lope finished the round strong again.
Round 8: Lopez 10-9
Lopez dodging Warrington’s combos and connecting well with the left hook to the body. The challenger is in full control. Warrington not throwing as much and Lopez taking advantage with nice counter upper cut inside. Impressive footwork from Lopez to avoid Warrington pushing him into the corner.
Round 9: Warrington 10-9
Referee calls both fighters together and shares some thoughts with both. Referee gives Lopez a few seconds after a late shot to the lower back from Warrington hurts him. Warrington comes out swinging after the break crowd rallying behind him. Big right hand lands from Warrington.
Round 10: Warrington 10-9
Warrington trailing and will need to get busy here. Both fighters jostling for position in the middle of the ring. Lopez connects again to the body. This one is getting a little ugly, Warrington will need to be cleaner in the next two rounds to catch up on the score card.
Round 11: Warrington 10-9
Warrington powering it on, but Lopez looks untouched at times. Lopez looking to be in cruise control and content with dodging Warrington’s flurries. Warrington been more busy, Lopez hurt after a second potential head clash.
Round 12: Warrington 10-9
Crowd urging Warrington to keep up the pressure. Referee once again stops to talk to Lopez. Warrington using left hook inside, quite the comeback and this one will be tough to call.