Unbeaten featherweight contender Josh Warrington has thrown down the gauntlet at Welsh rival, and reigning IBF titleholder, Lee Selby.

Warrington (24-0, 5 knockouts) takes on former IBF titlist Kiko Martinez at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England, on Saturday but the former British, Commonwealth and European Champion is eager for a crack at world honors.

“Selby does use his reach well, to hit and move off,” acknowledged Warrington. “He’s got good variety and is usually very busy for six rounds. (He) snatches the early rounds, then protects the lead. Downside? He thinks he’s a banger when he’s not. He puts far too much into his punches then fades.

“Lee might be champion but we bring the gate. If you have no fan base you have to travel to earn money. If and when it happens, it’s very likely to be in Leeds.”

Selby, who is rated No. 4 by THE RING at 126 pounds, had been linked to an intriguing clash with former two-weight world titleholder Carl Frampton, who is looking to return to action in July. Negotiations for that matchup don’t appear to have got off the ground.

“Last year, Selby was red hot favorite as the world champion I’d challenge,” said Warrington. “It didn’t happen but the fight’s certainly not dead. The fight and animosity have been stewing for a while now and I’m very eager to prove all my doubters wrong.

“There’s definitely a bit of friction.  I’ve never slagged off anybody’s ability or achievements but he gives me no credit and his fans made it worse on social media. Now my lot have got involved. Let’s just settle it. I want to punch his head in.”

Remaining tickets for Warrington vs. Martinez on Saturday night are available from Eventim Tel: 0844 249 1000

Information courtesy of a press release issued by Frank Warren PR

Tom Gray is a UK Correspondent/ Editor for RingTV.com and a member of THE RING ratings panel.  Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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