By Jake Donovan

Josh Warrington gets to fight at home for the fourth time in his past five starts, but is dealt no easy touch. The unbeaten featherweight braces for a showdown with Australia's Joel Brunker, which tops a newly announced September 5 show at First District Arena in Leeds, England. 

The bout—which airs live on Sky Sports—will be contested for a regional title, which Warrington acquired in the very same arena with a 12-round win over Dennis Tuberion in his last start in March. 

“I’m delighted to be defending my title at the First Direct Arena again – it’s my home and Joel Brunker is the perfect opponent for me,” said Warrington (21-0, 4KOs) in a statement through Matchroom Boxing's press office. 

“I think it will be a very good fight against Brunker, he’s a come forward fighter, busy and will make it difficult for me – but I’m ready for whatever he can bring.

”

 

The well-traveled Brunker (28-1, 16KOs) makes his second appearance in England. His previous trip resulted in the lone loss of his career, a 9th round stoppage at the hands of Lee Selby, who has since gone on to claim a major title at featherweight following his technical decision win over Evgeny Gradovich in May. 

“I’ve watched Selby’s fight with Brunker back a few times and to be honest until Lee stopped him, it wasn’t his best performance; I’m confident I can put on a vintage performance and go one better

,” Warrington beieves.

 

“

I was happy for Lee to win the World title, good on him – but I’m not thinking about him yet, Brunker has my full attention.

”

 

Brunker has since rebounded with a win at home in February. The 29-year old represents arguably the toughest test to date for Warrington, who envisions a title fight in his near future pending his performance in September. 

“It’s another significant step-up for me

,” Warrington notes. 

“[B]

ut every time I’ve stepped up a level, I’ve won titles and delivered – from British, European, Commonwealth and now heading to World level.

”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox