Boxing is a sport where participants experience all the highs and lows, every victory or defeat intensely. Josh Warrington, an English professional boxer, has been fighting relentlessly since the start of his professional career for every winning punch. Josh Warrington, who hails from Leeds, is one of Britain’s most popular boxers. Fans have nicknamed him the “Leeds Warrior”. More on ileeds.info.
The well-known athlete has held most of his professional fights in his hometown, with Leeds residents often comparing his popularity to that of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. Interestingly, Josh Warrington began his journey with limited amateur experience, which is why many sports critics didn’t give the newcomer much chance of achieving significant heights in boxing. However, he not only managed to defy these predictions but also became someone who wrote a real success story in British boxing.
Early Years and Passion for Sports
Josh Warrington was born on November 14, 1990, to Amanda Warrington and Sean O’Hagan. From childhood, the future athlete actively participated in several sports. Moreover, he not only attended sports clubs but gave them his all, striving to be the best of the best. Even then, he enjoyed winning and feeling more popular. To become quick and resilient, Josh would run home from school, stubbornly ignoring his friends’ offers to take the school bus.
The young man played football and rugby, but at the age of seven, he began boxing. In middle school, Josh realized he wanted to become a boxer.
His father, Sean O’Hagan, was the first to introduce Josh to boxing and trained him throughout his career. There were moments when Josh was advised to part ways with his father as his coach to fully realize his potential. He ignored these skeptics, and together, father and son challenged anyone who doubted their team. They eventually became one of the most successful and profitable father-son partnerships in world boxing.
Interestingly, Sean O’Hagan never had any experience in boxing until he started helping his son train in the ring. Despite this, he successfully managed to organize Josh’s rise to the top of the featherweight world boxing elite. Furthermore, after his divorce, O’Hagan single-handedly raised Josh and his two brothers, one of whom has special needs. Josh also has a sister with autism.
In his interviews, the boxer often talks about his family. He strives to achieve the best possible results in the ring because it directly ensures his financial stability. As the eldest brother, he considers it essential to have additional income, as it allows him to support his brother and sister with special needs.
Working in a Dental Clinic and Fighting in the Ring
During his time in middle school, Josh Warrington faced academic difficulties and eventually dropped out of John Smeaton Academy, failing to achieve any GCSE results. At his father’s encouragement, he retook the exams to continue his education.
After finishing school, Josh faced a tough decision about his future. Initially, he considered joining the Royal Marines, but then became interested in psychology. At the same time, he remained passionate about sports. Unsure of what path to choose, his father stepped in again. Sean O’Hagan knew someone who worked at a dental laboratory, where Josh received his first job. He started by cleaning the premises but gradually learned to make dental models, gum shields, crowns, and dentures.
At the beginning of his boxing career, Warrington worked part-time as a dental technician, earning the nickname “Tooth Fairy”. Friends and acquaintances joked that he made dentures during the day and knocked out teeth in the boxing ring at night.
This was a challenging time for Warrington, as he tried to balance university studies, his boxing career, and his part-time job. He worked during the day, attended university, trained five days a week, promoted himself, and sold tickets for his fights. Additionally, Josh also managed to arrange romantic dates with his future wife. This intense schedule lasted for four years, but in 2014, he successfully earned a dentistry degree.
Fantastic Victories and Bitter Defeats
Throughout his professional boxing career, Josh Warrington has had 35 fights, winning 31, losing 3, and drawing 1. At 18 years old, Warrington made his professional debut against Delroy Spencer on October 31, 2009. After his debut, he won another 29 consecutive fights, including 7 stoppage victories. From 2013 to 2017, the boxer also claimed national and European titles.
At 27 years old, Josh fought his first world title match against Welsh professional boxer Lee Selby for the IBF featherweight title. He defeated Selby by split decision in 12 rounds, becoming the featherweight world champion. As of 2024, Josh Warrington has won two featherweight world titles.
Key Wins:
- Lee Selby
- Carl Frampton
- Kiko Martinez
- Dennis Ceylan
- Sofiane Takoucht
Warrington’s overall boxing record stands at 31-3-1, including two featherweight world titles and three successful title defenses.
Notable Defeats:
- Mauricio Lara (February 13, 2021): Warrington suffered his first loss via technical knockout in the 9th round, ending his 30-fight winning streak.
- Luis Alberto Lopez (December 10, 2022): Warrington lost by majority decision in 12 rounds while defending his IBF title.
- Leigh Wood (October 7, 2023): He lost by technical knockout in the 7th round during a fight for the WBA featherweight title.
Overall, Warrington has defended his world title four times, achieving success in three defenses and losing once.
Personal Life of the “Leeds Warrior”
Outside the ring, Josh Warrington loves spending time with his family and friends. In August 2016, the promising boxer married Natasha Warrington after eight years of dating, which began in 2008. While Josh is well-known for his achievements in boxing, Natasha’s professional life remains private.
Josh and Natasha are parents to twin daughters, born in 2018, just weeks before Josh’s world title victory against Lee Selby. Natasha cares for their children while Josh continues his rigorous training and matches.
The couple has experienced various challenges in life—defeats in the ring, difficulties raising children, and everyday responsibilities. Josh often admits that he wouldn’t have achieved such success in his career without Natasha. His family and Natasha’s support have played a vital role in shaping him as a boxer. Before every fight, he hugs his wife tightly and whispers how much he loves her. This isn’t just a ritual—it’s crucial for him, as every fight in the ring is unpredictable.
Outside the ring, the “Leeds Warrior” easily takes on parental duties and spends all his free time with his family.
Josh Warrington’s incredible journey inspires others to never give up and keep striving for greatness, as new opponents, challenging battles, and fantastic victories always lie ahead.