Josh Warrington will be back in the ring for a huge trilogy bout with Mauricio Lara next year – but it won't be his next fight, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed.
Warrington was unable to secure redemption in the Headingley bout, which was called as a technical draw after the second round as Lara could not continue.
That means Warrington has not wiped the slate clean against the Mexican, who ended his unbeaten streak in a surprise victory back in February.
While Hearn has confirmed that a rematch will go ahead next year, he's looking to get Warrington back in the ring before then to face a different opponent.
"The first two rounds were great, and I just wanted more," he said to Matchroom Boxing.
"As soon as the head clash happened, [referee] Steve Gray looked at it, when they come out to get back fighting, I didn’t think it [Lara] looked that bad. Obviously, they started engaging, and the rest of the round was fantastic.
"I got in the ring and went over to him [Mauricio Lara], and it was literally his entire eyelid was open, and it was impossible for him to continue. The pressure was on the doctor, to be fair, and he had to do what he had to do to protect the fighter’s safety.
"I thought Josh was looking great, and Lara looking dangerous and fresh. I think it would have unfolded into an incredible fight. It was a great two rounds, but we wanted so many more. I wished for a few more rounds.
"I think that Lara fight will 100% happen. I want to see him [Josh] out again, to be honest with you. If we can get him out in December or January, Lara isn’t going to be ready to fight until spring.
"Maybe, Josh has a run-out in December or January and then goes into the Lara fight. The Lara fight is one that must happen, and Josh must wipe that slate clean. I want to keep him active."
