Josh Warrington vs Carl Frampton: IBF champion retains title as Frampton ponders retirement
Follow latest reaction from the Manchester Arena
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Josh Warrington defeated Carl Frampton in one of the fights of the year, retaining his IBF featherweight championship and sending him on to greater things in an attempt to unify the division.
Leeds-born Warrington exploded out of the blocks in the very first round and nearly knocked Frampton down, with the former two-weight world champion only just surviving to the bell and suffering the same barrage in the second. Frampton recovered to make a fight of it in a scrap that developed into a classic, but Warrington proved a class above throughout and again nearly finished it in the 12th.
Re-live all the action here.
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
Preview
When and where is the fight?
The bout will take place on December 22nd at the Manchester Arena, it was initially set to take place in a stadium but concerns over dates and mandatory challengers meant Warren settled with selecting an arena.
Ring walks will take place around 10pm but as always is the way with boxing, that is subject to change.
Where can I watch it?
It will be shown live on BT Sport Box Office, the broadcaster's second pay-per-view event of December following on from Deontay Wilder's world heavyweight title defence against Tyson Fury.
The cost of the box office event has yet to be announced but will likely be £19.95.
Can I stream online?
The fight will be shown on the BT Sport Box Office website and via the BT Sport Box Office app.
Who's going to win?
Josh Warrington 15/8
Carl Frampton 8/15
Draw 20/1
Warrington vs FramptonRound one: What a start from Warrington! He goes on an all-out assault in the first round and lands a flurry of punches to the head that rocks Frampton to his boots and he very nearly goes down! Warrington can taste blood and he goes for the kill, and Frampton tries to fight fire with fire by returning big punches, some of which land. Frampton gets to the bell but a huge round for Warrington!
Warrington vs FramptonRound two: Frampton lands a good left hook that whips into the champion, and he looks a bit more composed in there now. Warrington goes on the assault again, and he's hurt Frampton! Somehow he stays on his feet but he looks like he's out on his feet! Somehow Frampton sees the bell but this is one-way traffic. Potentially a 10-8 round there...
Warrington vs FramptonRound three: Frampton gets a huge ticking off in the corner for "p***ing about" and not sticking to the gameplan. Warrington is doing a good job of taking his time, and again he waits until the second half of the round before landing a big right hand that wobbles Frampton. This time there's no flurry from Warrington as Frampton looks to try to keep the bout at range - a sensible move - and that round is much closer in terms of meaningful punches landed.
Warrington vs FramptonRound four: Frampton is starting to grow into the fight now and is landing a few more punches, but Warrington comes back strong with a right hand that lands flush. Warrington ends the fourth with another flurry, but gets told to lift the punches right on the bell. Another one to Warrington there.
Warrington vs FramptonRound five: Warrington again goes on the attack and does a good job of moving right while he does so, preventing any counter from Frampton's right hand. Frampton does get into range soon after though to land a good punch, before Warrington respons to the body, but everything that Frampton hits Warrington with doesn't seem to hurt the Leeds man. This is one hell of a fight.
Warrington vs FramptonRound six: The sixth starts off much more cagey as neither throw a meaningful punch for the first 45 seconds, but soon enough they're back at it with Warrington unleashing punch after punch and Frampton trying to pick off his opponent wherever person. He gets Frampton pinned on the ropes, and when Frampton tries to respond it opens up the holes in the guard to get through and land. Another round to Warrington.
Warrington vs FramptonRound seven: Frampton has done well to ride the storm throughout the first six rounds, but this was where the bout was expected to turn into Warrington's favour the longer it goes on. The problem is he's dominated the early stages already, and Frampton will need something special to turn it around. The two trade punches in the middle of the ring that sees the crowd roar in approval, and when Warrington charges at Frampton, the Irishman lands a big right to the side of the head. That one might be Frampton's, but it's only the second round I've given him.
Warrington vs FramptonRound eight: Warrington goes to work again and is having so much success at will, but Frampton refuses to go away and is still there in his face when it ends. Frampton this time goes for it, but Warrington returns fire and probably lands the better, cleaner punches. Another great round, that.
Warrington vs FramptonRound nine: BT Sport have Frampton just one behind on the cards - I've got Warrington clear by three - but this one is very much in the balance heading towards the final quarter. Both may be feeling the pace as they have a minute off, but Warrington lands a lovely straight to the forehead of Frampton and it kicks the round into life. Boy do these two have a pair of chins on them, as they are both eating punch after punch and simply marching on. A good round for Warrington, though Frampton had his moments.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments