From Hanging Up the Gloves to One More Dance: The Josh Warrington Story

By Lewis Barnett 6 April, 2025 5 mins read 52 Views

I've seen some crazy things in boxing over the years, but Josh Warrington's comeback saga might be the most Leeds thing ever. The man literally got motivated to return to the ring because fans who called him a w****r told him not to quit. You can't make this stuff up.

Back in September, I watched Warrington lay his gloves down at Wembley after Cacace handed him his third straight loss. Gutting. The Leeds Warrior looked finished - physically and mentally drained after those brutal defeats to Lopez and Wood. Everyone in the press box that night was writing career obituaries, myself included.

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When Your Haters Become Your Motivators

But here's where it gets interesting.

Warrington, now 34, apparently went back to his gym just to help out a mate with some training. Nothing serious. Just putting in some rounds, no pressure. And something clicked. That muscle memory kicked in, and suddenly the old Josh started appearing in flashes.

Then he did what we all do after a public failure - checked his social media expecting a tsunami of abuse. Instead, he got something... weirdly encouraging?

"Some people even wrote, 'I have always thought you are a w****r but don't retire yet, you've got loads left to give'," Warrington revealed when I caught up with him last week.

God. Only in Yorkshire could that count as motivation.

The Elland Road Isn't Quite the End of the Road

What struck me most talking to Josh was his honesty about teh Cacace fight. No excuses, no BS. "Something was missing in that last performance," he told me, leaning against the ropes after a sparring session. "I told my dad, in my corner, that ten percent or so just wasn't there."

That's the thing about Warrington that's always made him different. He knows when he's off. And that night at Wembley, he was definitely off.

What Does a Fighter Owe His Fans?

I've covered boxing since 2011, and the retirement question is always the trickiest. Some fighters hang on too long (we've all seen those sad final chapters), while others walk away with plenty left in the tank.

Warrington's take? "I don't need to retire on a win or a world title. I need to retire after a performance I can be proud of, one that my fans deserve, after so many years of backing me."

Those fans... the ones who've followed him from small hall shows to world title fights at Elland Road. The ones who've spent thousands on tickets, travel, and merchandise. The ones who've tattooed his name on their bodies (saw a bloke with Warrington's face on his calf once - commitment level: 100).

April 19th: The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

So now we're looking at April 19th against Asad Khan. Is it the right move? Who knows. My editor bet me £50 that Warrington wouldn't last another three fights. I took that bet because I've learned never to count out a fighter who has something to prove.

The Yorkshire hero seems at peace with whatever happens next.

"I need to retire on my terms. And I will — w* or not."

That's the thing about boxing that keeps pulling me back to these stories. It's never just about punches thrown or belts won. It's about human beings trying to write their own endings in a sport that rarely allows for perfect narratives.

For Warrington, this might be the final chapter... or just another plot twist in a career that's been anything but predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment am I required to start boxing?

You need essential equipment to begin boxing. This is for your safety and training. It includes a boxing glove and hand wraps which protect the wrists and arms, as well a mouthguard if you are sparring. In addition, athletic clothing and boxing boots are recommended for greater support and better movement.

How can I find the best size and type for my boxing gloves?

The type and size of boxing gloves you need will depend on how much you weigh, your level of protection, and what you plan to do (e.g. sparring, competition, or heavy bag work). Gloves measure in ounces. Beginners usually start out with 14oz or 12oz gloves to train for general sparring and then upgrade to heavier ones for more protection.

Can boxing help improve mental health?

Boxing is a great way to improve your mental health. It can reduce stress, enhance mood, boost self-esteem and discipline. The mental focus needed during training can act as a kind of meditation. This helps to improve your concentration and clarity.

Statistics

Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.

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How To

How to Choose a Boxing Gym for Beginners

Choosing the right boxing gym is important to ensure you receive quality instruction and have a positive training environment. Choose a gym where the trainers are experienced and have a track record of working with beginners. Take into consideration the number of classes, the quality of the equipment and the cleanliness of the gym. Some gyms provide a free class to see if you like the environment.

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https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/joyces-last-dance-a-brave-boxers-brutal-reality-check-in-manchester