IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington put on an impressive performance that culminated with a second-round TKO of Sofiane Takoucht on Saturday at First Direct Arena in Leeds, England.
Walking out to his beloved Leeds United FC’s theme song, "Marching On Together," and the Kaiser Chiefs' "I Predict A Riot," the "Leeds Warrior" had the sold-out crowd in a rapturous frenzy well before the fight had even started.
The 28-year-old Brit was making his third title defense and was ruthless from the opening bell. Walking down the 33-year-old French southpaw, Warrington (30-0, seven KOs) immediately took aim to the head and body. Takoucht (35-4-1, 13 KOs) had no answers for the constant pressure and went down for the first time when he was caught square in the corner with a straight right hand. Seconds later, he found himself back on the canvas after a left hook was followed quickly by a right.
With power punches coming one after the other, Takoucht was out on his feet. The referee had to step in and end the fight with six seconds left in the second round to save him from absorbing further punishment
"It wasn’t personal, but I think I took my frustrations of not getting a unification fight out on him," Warrington said afterward. "I’ve got to respect Takoucht because he took the fight."
When pressed about who he would like to fight next, Warrington took aim at a pair of featherweights.
"You’ve got Gary Russell Jr., who only comes out once a year, (and) if Can Xu wants the fight, then here I am."
Co-main event: Zelfa Barrett successfully defends Commonwealth super featherweight title against Jordan McCorry
The"Brown Flash" lived up to his alias with his speed and movement when he stopped McCorry in the ninth round of his second title defense.
It didn't take long for Barrett to settle into a rhythm; he focused on the body against McCorry (18-7-1) and dropped him for the first time in the third round with a thudding hook to the ribs. Both men exchanged leather in the fourth, with McCorry looking more determined after the knockdown, but McCorry got overconfident when he dropped his hands to show Barrett that his punches were not hurting him. Barrett reacted by landing a flurry of punches to end the round strong.
A low blow by Barrett in the sixth brought the proceedings to momentary halt. The 28-year-old Scottish boxer spent a great deal of time complaining to the referee about low blows, which left himself open for Barrett to capitalize. Barrett dropped McCorry for the second time in the eighth with another perfectly timed body shot.
Moments later, what looked to be a deliberate low blow by McCorry borne out of frustration had Barrett in agony, but the 26-year-old Manchester-born fighter was able to continue and went on to punish McCorry for that hit. The two landed punches after the bell, which resulted in McCorry being deducted a point.
The fight was over in the ninth when Barrett continued his attack and landed an uppercut to drop McCorry for the third and final time. McCorry looked to the corner and the fight was waved over.
Undercard
George Davey def. Zygimantas Butkevicius; super welterweights.
Lyndon Artur def. Emmanuel Anim; Artur claims the vacant Commonwealth light heavyweight title.
Reece Mould def. Bayardo Ramos; featherweights.
Shabazz Masoud. def. Yesner Talavera; featherweights.
John Joyce def. Jordan Grannum; middleweights.
Jack Daniels def. Jamie Speight; featherweights.
Mark Heffron def. Rui Manuel Pavanito; middleweights.
Shakiel Thompson def. Lous van Poetsch; middleweights.
Troy Williamson def. Ben Douglas; super welterweights.