Brave Brunker drops shutout decision to Warrington

 
A brave Joel Brunker was outclassed by England’s Josh Warrington in Leeds this morning, who cruised to a clear cut unanimous points win.

 
?Brunker (now 28-2, 16 KOs) has fallen to his second career loss from 30 bouts, his second in England after being downed by Welshman Lee Selby in London last year.?

 
The Richmond fighter was tireless and gave his all in the ring but couldn’t match Warrington’s superior speed and effectiveness.?

 
The popular Yorkshireman routinely beat Brunker to the punch and his defence was impressive, regularly countering the Australian’s shots.?

 
Brunker, 29, was busy throughout the fight but struggled to land clean blows. ?

 
He did well to last the twelve rounds rounds, such was the barrage from Warrington (now 22-0, 4 KOs), who retains his Commonwealth and WBC International straps.

 
“Warrrington boxed really well,” said Brunker in a post-fight interview with Aus-Boxing.

 
“The plan was to pressure him from start to finish and force him to counter-punch, something he hadn’t looked comfortable with previously. He adapted and boxed well.”

 
“I came into the fight carrying the last of a flu bug, I struggled breathing, but no excuses. Josh deserved the win on the night.”

 
“My preparation was really good apart from the bug, but I’m disappointed that I couln’t get my shots as clean and crisp as I’d have liked.”

 
A world title shot looms for the Englishman against stablemate and reigning IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby, who is also promoted by Matchroom Sport, may await for Warrington in 2016.

 
?All three judges awarded the fight to the 24-year-old, who was serenaded by the 10,000 strong Leeds crowd. Judges Howard John Foster, Steve Gray and Ian John-Lewis all rendered the same scorecard, 120-108.

 
It’s back to the drawing board for Brunker, who was left bloodied and beaten.?Brunker has taken two difficult fights on foreign soil against two world-class opponents in the past 12 months and been beaten.

 
The Australian will return home to regroup and plan his next move.

 
 
Words: Johnny Davidson (Follow Johnny on Twitter)
Photo: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images