Josh Warrington will go against Joel Brunker at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on September 5. Warrington will look to add the challenger to the impressive scalps of Rendall Munroe and Martin Lindsay.
Brunker is no stranger to British shores having faced newly-crowned IBF champion Lee Selby in London in October, and Warrington believes the Australian will bring the best out of him.
“I’m delighted to be defending my Commonwealth title at the First Direct Arena again – it’s my home and Joel Brunker is the perfect opponent for me.
“I think it will be a very good fight against Brunker, he’s a come forward fighter, busy and will make it difficult for me – but I’m ready for whatever he can bring.
“I’ve watched Selby’s fight with Brunker back a few times and to be honest until Lee stopped him, it wasn’t his best performance – I’m confident I can put on a vintage performance and go one better. I was happy for Lee to win the World title, good on him – but I’m not thinking about him yet, Brunker has my full attention.
“It’s another significant step-up for me, but every time I’ve stepped up a level, I’ve won titles and delivered – from British, European, Commonwealth and now heading to World level.
“Since my last fight I’ve had some much needed time off. I boxed in Berlin and Leeds in quick succession. To be honest I haven’t had a break from camp since the European Title fight against Davide Dieli.
“It’s given me some time to focus on my house and get engaged to my girlfriend in Mexico – my batteries are fully recharged and I’m raring to go.
“I can’t wait, I’ve got such a buzz already in training. The whole city will be buzzing with the news and I can’t wait to hear the crowd roar me on to victory on September 5.”