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.

Josh Warrington Defeats Edwin Tellez in Berlin

A vocal Leeds following in Berlin saw Josh Warrington beat Edwin Tellez in the fifth round and stretch his undefeated record to twenty fights.

Tellez's corner threw in the towel after Josh began to move through the gears, and the fight served as a good workout in preparation for his eliminator for the WBC World Featherweight title against Dennis Tubieron in Leeds on April 11th.

"It was a strange one, I didn't want to overdo it," Josh told Sky Sports.

"So I wanted to get it done as quickly as possible, without any injuries so I can remain fully focused on April 11. It was good to fight away from home but once you've started you might as well be back at home."

Josh paid tribute to the fans who helped turn Berlin into another Leeds for the night.

"I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who went over to German to support me - they were brilliant.

"I felt like I was in a shopping centre in Leeds, never mind Berlin for the weigh-in and then all the way through the fight they were unbelievable and never stopped making noise."

View image | gettyimages.com

Josh to Fight Dennis Tubieron In World Title Eliminator in Leeds

Josh will face Dennis Tubieron in an official eliminator for the WBC World Featherweight title at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on April 11, live on Sky Sports.

Josh is aiming to continue his meteoric rise over the last year inside his intimidating fortress and pick up the vacant WBC International crown in the process, but faces a tough task in the shape of ‘The Scorpion’ from the Philippines, who boxed for that title in December with his clash against Carlo Magali ending in a controversial draw.

The Leeds star has seen off Samir Mouniemne, Rendall Munroe, Martin Lindsay and Davide Dieli in a dazzling run of displays, and with a raucous hometown army behind him, he'll be aiming to crash into the rankings in style on April 11, with a trip to Berlin on the undercard of Paul Smith’s World title rematch against Arthur Abraham to come first on February 21.

Welsh star Nathan Cleverly will return to action in the Light Heavyweight division as he targets German WBA champ Jurgen Braehmer while Martin J Ward will rematch Maxi Hughes in a British title eliminator following their exciting draw in London at the end of 2014. Leeds man and British Light Heavyweight champ Bob Ajisafe features as part of a big line up to be announced over the coming weeks.

Tickets are on sale from 10am on January 7th to Matchroom Fight Pass members from www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £30, £40, £60 and £120 for VIP tickets.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on January 8th from the First Direct Arena on 0844 248 1585 and at www.firstdirectarena.com. VIP tickets priced at £120 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com.