Joel Brunker on Josh Warrington: “I am anticipating a war”

 
JOEL Brunker has never shied away from the biggest challenges available.

 
The world-rated featherweight will travel abroad to face immensely popular Englishman Josh Warrington for his Commonwealth and WBC International featherweight titles on September 5th at the First Direct Arena.

 
For Brunker (28-1, 16 KOs), the sizeable Warrington challenge will be the first time the Australian has travelled abroad since suffering his lone career blemish to now reigning IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby.

 
Given what Selby has since accomplished since ousting Brunker, the likeable New South Welshman believes the more conventional fighting style of Warrington (21-0, 4 KOs) will work in his favour.

 
“Warrington is a good fighter who is well suited to the style I like to fight,” said Brunker in an interview with Aus-Boxing. “I’m expecting an unwelcoming reception from the Leeds fans, but that doesn’t bother me at all.”

 
“He has fast hands and is an aggressive fighter, I am anticipating a war,” he continued.

 
“Warrington has not fought a fighter that will apply pressure to him like I will. I am looking forward to coming back to England and putting in a better performance than I did against Selby,”

 
“I would like to thank my manager Adam Wilcock and of course Eddie Hearn for putting this great fight together.”

 
Brunker, 29, last fought in February, where he disposed of Rey Laspinas in two one-sided rounds.

 
The Richmond local is hoping that a win in his last outing, in addition to a relatively active schedule – that has saw him compete two times in four months – will produce a positive result in Leeds.

 
“It has been tough waiting for fights to be finalised and I am glad I can concentrate fully on my training preparation now and get myself prepared for September 5th,”

 
“Warrington has a big following in Leeds and I am going into his backyard so it should make for an interesting atmosphere,” said Brunker in closing.

 
“There has been a lot of talk about Warrington and beating him will put me right back in the mix for a world title,”

 
 
Photo: Louie Abigail/Photography by Rockfingrz