| |
|
Kiko Martínez Set to Defend IBF-126 World Strap Against Warrington March 26 in Leeds, England
By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Sat, 08 Jan 2022

Spain’s IBF featherweight world champion Kiko “La Sensación” Martínez can’t wait to make the first defense of his red ‘n golden strap in an intriguing rematch against British former world champion Josh Warrington on March 26 in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds in Yorkshire, the United Kingdom.
In their first war for a regional belt, Josh Warrington outpointed Kiko Martínez in a competitive 12-rounder majority decision four and a half years ago in Leeds.
The 35-year-old Kiko Martínez (43-10-2, 30 KO’s), living in Alicante, is enjoying his second IBF reign as a world champ at 126, as years ago he was also a world champion at 122.
The coming-forward Español warrior Kiko Martínez – born in the City of Elx en la Comunidad Valenciana – conquered his current IBF featherweight world crown by knocking out then unbeaten champ Kid Galahad in 6 chapters just last November in Sheffield, England; and that was one heck of a knock out.
Meanwhile, challenger former champ Josh Warrington (30-1-1, 7 KO’s) reaches this new world title rumble after a tough 2021 in which he was knocked out in 9 rounds by Mexican Mauricio “Bronco” Lara (23-2, 16 KO’s) last March in Leeds.
Will Kiko knock him out too?
It will be the Briton's second attempt to become again the IBF featherweight World Champion.
The 31-year-old Josh Warrington already reigned as IBF-126 champ, defending Belt a few times, battling formidable opponents such as Lee Selby, Carl Frampton and Kid Galahad.
So, what fans wonder is if the cool, nice and friendly Kiko Martínez be successful in defeating the tough, battle-tested Josh Warrington for a good first defense?
Or will the experienced British former champ regain the red ‘n golden IBF 126 strap that once belonged to him?
The Martinez vs Warrington rematch on March 26 is being promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, live on DAZN.
Buena suerte Kiko!
The author Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
May 16: Kelvin Davis-Peter Dobson Welterweight Clash & Yan Santana-Cristian Cruz Featherweight Battle Added to Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II Card LIVE on DAZN , Wed, 22 Apr 2026World Super Flyweight contender John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez waiting for Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’ final decision , Wed, 22 Apr 2026Former champ Lawrence Okolie tested positive in VADA testing By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 22 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Secures Win for Team USA on Day One of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1 , Wed, 22 Apr 2026Garcia, Young, Gatus banner tough field in 20th Philippine Xiangqi Open Tournament on May 1 By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 22 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION APRIL 20 APRIL 2026: Baumgardner Outpoints Shin, Retains IBF/WBA/WBO 130 Lb Titles; Daniels Stops Green in 9; Lorente SD Collins in WBC Welter Eliminator By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Year of Memories Between the Ring and Faith By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026High Stakes in Ufa: Subkhankulov and Usmonov Clash for IBF #2 Spot By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Elorde Jr. is new PBF president By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ancajas wins 1st bout as feather By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ito knockouts Lerasan in 1st round By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Kristian ‘KP’ Prenga developing into Albanian heavyweight boxing GOAT , Tue, 21 Apr 2026IIEE PSME Quezon City Simba’s Tribe amazed with GAB Chairman Rivera’s advocacy for chess players By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026‘CALM’ PERO READY TO FACE MILLER’S FIRE , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Hall of Famer Rafael Marquez's son Aaron wins professional debut By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Top Super Featherweights Tsendy Erdenebat & Cobia Breedy Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Registration Now Open for the Return of the Butterfly Brawl at the Iconic Santa Monica Pier – August 22, 2026 , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Brackets Set for USA Boxing Elite High Performance Team at World Boxing Cup - Stage One , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Team Altagracia Primus Praedia Land Holding champ in Pacquiao chess By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 20262-Division World Champion Daniel Ponce De León Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas , Tue, 21 Apr 20262026 NBA Playoffs: First Round Game 1 Recap By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 20 Apr 2026FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu gains a total of 36 rating points, bringing his FIDE rating to 2321 by May after completing 2 chess tournaments in Spain By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 20 Apr 2026Irish super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde Improves to 15-0 with 10th KO , Mon, 20 Apr 2026IBA Bare-Knuckle Director attends historic Gambian Elite National Championships , Sun, 19 Apr 2026Rosales stops Obedencio in RFL 4 By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 19 Apr 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|