Exclusive - Former world champion Josh Warrington set to confirm retirement

Warrington suffered a second loss to Leigh Wood in their February rematch, with 'The Leeds Warrior' comprehensively beaten on all three scorecards. 

In the fight's aftermath, some believe retirement is the best option for Warrington after a career which has seen him become a fan favourite within British boxing. 

Warrington heading towards retirement claims Hughes 

Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, Hughes revealed that retirement is looking likely for the two-time world champion. 

The 36-year-old is trained by Warrington's father, Sean O'Hagan, and is preparing to face Ireland's Pierce O'Leary on March 14, live on DAZN. 

Hughes has a close relationship with his fellow Yorkshireman and believes Warrington still has plenty to give outside of the ring when he decides to hang up the gloves for good. 

"It’s looking like that will be the decision," Hughes responded when asked whether Warrington will retire. 

"For me personally, that would be my advice. I had a chat with him the other day and I think he’s heading towards retirement.

"It’s still early, let him have that downtime with his wife and kids.

"He’ll be a great asset [outside of the ring], he speaks well, knows the game, he’s achieved everything in the sport, he’s every knowledgeable on it."

What went wrong in Wood rematch? 

Throughout the build-up to Warrington's rematch with Wood, there was plenty of excitement from fight fans about the contest being another thrilling encounter, just like the first fight. 

Instead, it was underwhelming with Wood dominating from the first to the 12th and final session. 

Reflecting on Warrington's performance, Hughes believes the former's struggles were a combination of diminishing reactions and his body unable to carry out the instructions given to him by the corner. 

"He knew what he needed to do, his head wanted it, but his body couldn’t do it," Hughes said. 

"We have to give Leigh some credit because Leigh knew what he was doing. He knew in that first fight he got involved, and he fought Josh’s fight.

"Josh hurt him a lot in that fight, so Leigh knew if he got involved, he would get hurt again, so he played it safe and boxed on the outside. He made it hard for Josh.

"It’s hard to admit that your body is not quite as reactive as it once was, but unfortunately, that’s life."

If Warrington does retire, he will end his career with 32-5-1 (8 KOs), and will be an inspiration to fighters on the small hall scene who can be achieve great things without having an early backing from the biggest promoters. 

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