AT THE First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday, Josh Warrington embarks on the third defence of the IBF featherweight title he won in empathic style against Lee Selby at Elland Road in May 2018.

His opponent and challenger this time round is veteran French campaigner Sofiane Takoucht, who brings to the table an estimable record of 35 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw since making his professional debut in 2006.

Regardless, this an encounter that the teak-tough Yorkshireman is expected to deal with comfortably prior to heading across the Atlantic — no doubt accompanied by thousands of the true believers of his Hatton-esque cult following — to mix it with the best of the world featherweight crop under the bright lights in Las Vegas or New York.