JOSH WARRINGTON has set himself up for a massive unification bout or American debut after rescuing his career.
Promoter Eddie Hearn warned defeat to Kiko Martinez could have left Warrington with no choice but to retire.
Josh Warrington reclaimed the IBF featherweight title
But the Leeds hero emphatically beat 36-year-old Martinez – for a second time – with a ruthless seventh-round stoppage.
WBA champion Leigh Wood, 33, or an away day across the pond were immediately mentioned post-fight.
And here SunSport runs down Warrington’s list of options having reclaimed the IBF title.
Leigh Wood
Wood last year won the WBA’s secondary ‘regular’ title with a shock upset of Can Xu, 28.
And in his first defence he topped it with a come-from-behind knockout of the year contender against Michael Conlan, 30, in the last round.
A rematch has been touted but the chance to unify his belt with Warrington bringing together the Leeds and Nottingham faithful’s, could be too good to miss.
Leigh Wood is linked with fighting Josh Warrington
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Leo Santa Cruz
The Mexican, 33, is still technically the WBA’s full champion but has not defended his belt since 2019.
Santa Cruz has since been campaigning at super-featherweight but could be tempted back down by Warrington, 31.
And with the Brit desperate for a trip across the pond, Santa Cruz is the biggest name on the market.
Leo Santa Cruz is still WBA featherweight champion
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Mark Magsayo
For a long time Gary Russell Jr, 33, was the man Stateside until he was upset by Mark Magsayo, 26, in January when he lost the WBC belt.
Magsayo, mentored by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, has now put himself right amongst the best at featherweight.
A fight with Warrington almost certainly promises excitement and offers two titles for the winner.
Mark Magsayo stunned Gary Russell Jr
Emanuel Navarrete
Unbeaten for ten years Navarrete, 27, is emerging as one of the best fighters on the planet.
The Mexican is also ranked No1 by Ring Magazine as well as others, meaning Warrington gets the chance to become the best.
Navarrete, the WBO champ since 2020, is also now a free agent after leaving Top Rank, making negotiations easier.
WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete
Mauricio Lara trilogy
In February last year, Warrington returned behind-closed-doors against little-known Lara.
But the Mexican, 24, turned out to be a heavy-handed monster who brutally knocked Warrington out in round nine.
They rematched in September but a cut to Lara caused a no-contest. It leaves a trilogy bout still ready to be made.
Josh Warrington could still fight Mauricio Lara in a trilogy bout
