Warrington v Ceylan: Pathway to super fights could open up for Leeds fighter
Published:
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.
That will account for odds of 9/4 about Warrington winning by KO/TKO, or Disqualification.
As mentioned previously, both the Englishman and Ceylan are very durable and should go the distance unless something spectacular happens.
At 4/7 for a Warrington win by Decision or Technical Decision, it looks a banker for a weekend acca selection.
What’s next for Warrington?
Provided he gets over the line against Ceylan on Saturday night, an All-British affair against Lee Selby for the IBF strap will set pulses racing.
That bout has been a long time coming with Warrington claiming Selby has been purposely avoiding him. A grudge match awaits.
The winner of that will then more than likely face Northern Ireland’s Carl Frampton in a super fight.
If Warrington can pull it off, Leeds United’s Elland Road ground could host an epic clash.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
