Josh Warrington has paid tribute to his fans following his decision to fight on in 2025, describing the legions of supporters who follow him as a "special bunch" he is grateful to.
The Leeds Warrior will carry on fighting next year despite placing his gloves in the ring after his defeat to Anthony Cacace at Riyadh Season Card - Wembley Edition.
The 34-year-old has long been noted as one of the most popular fighters of his generation thanks to vocal hometown support from in and around the West Yorkshire city.
Having graduated from small venues to arenas and stadiums on his own turf, Warrington once again highlighted their importance to him as he prepares to go round again.
"They’re a special bunch, that’s for sure," he told DAZN . "It means loads [for them to travel to Wembley Stadium]. There's moments where I have to pinch myself.
"I don't forget the days where I used to travel to leisure centres and have only forty people or so come out to watch me fight. But when you compare that to now?
"There's tens of thousands who have followed me through thick and thin, who have not missed a fight at Leeds Arena or Headingley Stadium or Elland Road. It's magnificent.
"I'm forever indebted to the support I've had. People can get money back but they can't reclaim time, and a lot has been invested into following me. I'm always grateful for it."
Warrington looks set to target a rematch with Leigh Wood in 2025, with the Nottingham fighter just one of a handful of men to defeat him in the ring so far professionally.
Wood himself has not fought since his win over the Leeds Warrior, and relinquished his WBA featherweight title shortly after he defeated Warrington by seventh-round TKO.
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