We Are Leeds: Josh Warrington Joined By Vinnie Jones For Leeds Arena Fight

Josh Warrington will be joined for his ring walk at Leeds First Direct Arena on April 11th by a new supporter: Leeds United legend Vinnie Jones.

The atmosphere inside Leeds Arena when Josh walked out to fight Davide Dieli in October felt impossible to top, with United and Rhinos stars Dominic Matteo and Jamie Peacock carrying the British and Commonwealth belts in support of a supremely focused fighter who would, twenty minutes after the sound of I Predict A Riot subsided, was crowned the new European champion.

The addition of Vinnie Jones to his entourage for the fight against Dennis Tubieron for the vacant WBC International featherweight title should take the noise for Josh from the hometown crowd in April to another level.

Vinnie became a cult hero almost from the moment he signed for Leeds United in 1989, when manager Howard Wilkinson put his faith in the apparently uncultured Wimbledon midfielder with the bad-boy reputation; and alongside players like Gordon Strachan, David Batty and Gary Speed he was crucial to United’s promotion back to the old First Division.

What stood out about Vinnie was not only the different side he showed to his game as part of Sergeant Wilko’s army - he was booked just twice all season, and played some of the best football of his career - but the close bond he struck up with the club’s supporters. Vinnie’s strong ties to both city and club have followed him all through his football and film career to Hollywood, and not only because of the Leeds United crest he has tattooed on his leg.

Vinnie has been introduced to Josh by Hayden Evans of HN Sports, who says: "I’ve known Vinnie since he came to Leeds, and I wasn’t surprised when he told me he’d been watching Josh’s fights from over in L.A.

“It says everything about Josh Warrington that so many Leeds sport legends want to give him their support, and when he walks into the ring with Vinnie beside him on April 11th, it’s going to be a special moment on a big night for the city.”

The night for We Are Leeds is April 11th, featuring Josh Warrington vs Dennis Tubieron in an official eliminator for the WBC World Featherweight title at Leeds First Direct Arena website; tickets are available from the arena website here.

Josh's new line of Leeds Warrior clothing is now available from his online store here.