Tuesday 7 April 2015 17:26, UK
Josh Warrington will be joined by Hollywood star Vinnie Jones as he walks to the ring for Saturday's fight with Dennis Tubieron.
The 24-year-old featherweight has enlisted the support of the former footballer turned film idol as he prepares to face the Filipino fighter in his hometown of Leeds this weekend, live on Sky Sports.
Jones, who played for Leeds United between 1989-90, becomes the latest sporting star from the city to carry Warrington's belts as he attempts to extend his 20-fight unbeaten record at the First Direct Arena.
“I always like to have a Leeds legend walk me to the ring," Warrington told Sky Sports. "We’ve had Jamie Peacock, Dominic Matteo, and this time around we’ve gone all the way and Vinnie will be beside me.
“Vinnie’s the man, he was loved at Leeds. It’s an absolute honour to have him beside us.”
Jones has followed the rise of Warrington, who has already acquired the European, British and Commonwealth titles.
With a huge support behind him, the hometown hero is confident he can take on the division's top fighters in the near future.
“Vinnie’s been keeping tabs on us from over in LA and said it’d be an honour to walk to the ring with me, so I’m absolutely delighted," said Warrington.
“It does feel like the whole city has got behind us. There’s something special about Leeds. We’ve always been jealous of the sporting success in other cities and now we are doing it, we’re living the dream.
We’ve had Jamie Peacock, Dominic Matteo, and this time round we’ve gone all the way and Vinnie will be beside me.
“I’ve got to be on my A game because we are stepping up in level. I’m looking to put a good performance on, because I know that if I keep on winning - big things are to come for myself and Leeds.”
Fellow-Leeds favourite Bob Ajisafe features on the packed undercard as he faces Daniel Wanyonyi for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight title.
Martin J Ward can makes amends for his draw with Doncaster's Maxi Hughes when they meet again in a British lightweight title eliminator, while Chris Jenkins battles Tyrone Nurse for the vacant British light-welterweight belt.
Unbeaten trio Rocky Fielding, Jono Carroll and Isaac Chamberlain also return to action on the bill.
Watch Josh Warrington and the undercard in Leeds this Saturday night on Sky Sports 2, starting at 7.30pm.
