Warrington v Ceylan: Pathway to super fights could open up for Leeds fighter

Big things lie in store for Englishman

Josh Warrington takes on Denis Ceylan in a final eliminator for a crack at the IBF featherweight title in Leeds on Saturday night.

A win will pave the way for a huge scrap with current strap holder Lee Selby. In fact, the 26-year-old could have reportedly faced Selby already had the titlist not turned the opportunity down.

Instead, Selby was said to have rejected the advances, forcing Warrington into this eliminator with Ceylan.

Who wins?

The Dane will be no pushover. He brings his own quality into this bout and Warrington will have to be at his best to have his hand raised.

It’s been a long road for the former Commonwealth champion. To get to this point he’s had to overcome Joel Brunker, Hisashi Amagasa, Patrick Hyland, and former world belt-holder Kiko Martinez in his last four fights.

Ceylan is a former Olympian, having competed at London 2012, and his himself a former European titlist.

However, Warrington is the more technically-skilled fighter. He’s very durable – as is Ceylan – having gone the distance in 20 of his 25 professional bouts.

At odds of 1/8 to win, it’s pretty clear what the oddsmakers think of Ceylan’s chances. And they’re right, Warrington should win comfortably.

Method of Victory

Neither of these fighters have knockout power. In a combined 43 pro bouts, this pair can account for just 13 KOs between them.