Josh Warrington beats Carl Frampton to successfully defend IBF world featherweight title

With an instant, all-time classic of the featherweight division, Josh Warrington propelled himself towards global stardom with a stunning demolition of the great Carl Frampton, whose defeat only sharpened his thoughts of retirement. The Yorkshireman was as relentless as he was ruthless, belying murmurs about his lack of punching power with a bombardment that left his opponent hurt and giddy. Promoter Frank Warren, admittedly a master of hyperbole, acclaimed the spectacle as the finest fight he had seen in a British ring.

The quality of the contest, which finished with Warrington ahead on all three judges’ cards, was mirrored in the reactions of both men. “It takes two to make a fight like that,” Warrington said. “I’ve always been a fan of Carl, and I’m still a fan now.” Frampton, for his part, set a new benchmark for graciousness in this business, conceding that however assiduously he had prepared, he had been soundly beaten. “I was in incredible shape coming into the fight, and the better man won. Josh was fitter and stronger, and that’s the bottom line.”

Manchester was chosen as supposedly neutral ground for this contest, not that one would have known it from the ringwalks here. Frampton, bouncing through the throng to a mass rendition of Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, looked eerily composed, earning a reception that would hardly have seemed out of place at Windsor Park. But Warrington, delighting his disciples from across the Pennines by wearing the colours of his beloved Leeds United, raised the volume to ear-splitting levels. Nothing here could quite channel the festive spirit like a looming bloodbath.

Frampton, while diminutive in stature, is tougher than teak. Not without reason does Barry McGuigan herald him as twice the fighter he ever was. The 31-year-old talks of seeing things that no child should ever see during his upbringing in north Belfast, where he was a witness to the brother of a school friend being killed by a pipe bomb. The product is a fighter of quite eerie resilience. Footage of their dressing-room warm-ups was instructive: while Warrington gurned for the cameras, Frampton just glowered menacingly into the mirror.

The opening was as explosive as the atmosphere portended. Warrington, throwing off any underdog tag, launched himself at Frampton like an attack dog unleashed, pushing the Ulsterman back towards the ropes with a fusillade of punches. If Frampton presumed that it was an aberration, he was to be grimly mistaken. Warrington, undeterred when his cornermen stepped in to wipe grease from his head, attacked with ever greater venom.

Lesser men might have crumpled in a heap, but Frampton kept springing up with remarkable vigour, clearly anxious to return fire. Proving that he had a chin harder than graphene, he absorbed every drop of punishment Warrington could offer. In a rare lapse, Warrington was warned for a low shot, but the quality of the confrontation was already self-evident as the boxers touched gloves at the bell in the fourth.

Still the body shots rained down from Warrington, and still Frampton took his medicine, complaining at one stage that he had been struck around the back of the head. Surely the breathless pace had to relent? Surely Warrington had to exhibit a few signs of suffering? Not a bit of it, with the younger man, the defending champion, desperate to cement his place on an international stage. His surprise win at Elland Road over Lee Selby had given him a taste of headline billing, and here he justified it with an abundance of pyrotechnics, peppering Frampton without mercy.

The stamina stretched credulity. Warrington was continuing to swing freely despite his all-out early assault, while Frampton was doing admirably just to stay on his feet, let alone to land telling punches of his own. All around the ring Warrington’s fans applauded, believing the fight to be over every time he redoubled his fury, but Frampton’s legs would not buckle.

When at last the relentless Warrington dropped the pace in the 10^th and 11^th, Frampton looked, dare one say it, grateful for a rest. But he was trailing on the scorecards, and he knew it, saving himself up for what he hoped would be a decisive final-round attack. Where the head was willing, the fists were not, with Warrington dodging his best efforts with ease.

At the end, the pair exchanged a warm embrace, but Warrington’s smile, significantly, was much the broader. And if you looked closely, even the referee was applauding.

11:39PM

Mutual respect between the fighters

11:35PM

Thoughts of promoter Frank Warren

I've been in this busy for years and that is the best fight in a British ring I've ever seen. You'll remember in years to come and say 'I was there.' That was something special.

What's next? These fighters are going to go have a nice rest and we'll think about it in the new year.

11:34PM

And still....

11:32PM

Frampton speaks

11:30PM

More reaction from Warrington

11:30PM

Warrington defends IBF World Featherweight belt

11:28PM

Josh Warrington wins by unanimous decision! 

The judges scorecard confirms it. 116-113, 116-112, 116-112

11:26PM

Some action shots

11:23PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R12

Clash of heads in the final round leads to a brief pause. Warrington knows he doesn't need to do anything stupid here to defend his title.

Frampton is in trouble, caught on his heels as Warrington sends in a flurry of punches on his head. The Northern Irishman is fighting on instinct now, clinging on impressively and still capable of putting in some precise hits.

But it's not enough as the bell goes and the two embrace. There is so much respect between these fighters and their camps.

We await the judges scores.

11:19PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R11

The chants are from the Leeds fans in the crowd as their man Warrington looks to close this one out. Frampton starting to need a knockout here but he doesn't get it in the 11th. One more round to go.

Warrington has an engine like no other, the punches are never ending. 

11:17PM

Warrior like effort from these two

11:16PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R10

A potential three rounds left. Warrington is still popping up and down on his heels, Frampton meanwhile prowling around, fatigue setting in but still battling on.

Each punch looks like an effort but he's still able to dunk and dive out of the way of Warrington. And land a couple of blows of his own.

11:11PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R9

Quiet start to the round but Frampton definitely getting closer to Warrington. Some quality punches being thrown, Frampton forced to absorb one from Warrington. They are going to absolutely ache tomorrow.

How much has Frampton got left in the tank after the early struggles in this fight? Warrington will not stop throwing his punches.

11:07PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R8

False start to the round as Frampton's camp forgot to put his gumshield back in. Silly.

Back to the action and the boxers go toe-to-toe. One attacks, the other fights back. Frampton knows he needs to come on strong now. He's digging in and showing his quality with his punches.

The round threatens to erupt with a minute to go as both fighters try and cut loose. Top entertainment. 

11:03PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R7

Into the second half of this fight, Warrington ahead at the minute, potentially by as much as three.

Frampton lands a body blow on Warrington but again his opponent immediately goes on the attack. Attack the best from of defence?

Close round that.

10:59PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R6

Warrington is definitely the more mobile of the fighters with Frampton instead standing stiller, absorbing the blows more.

Terrific intensity from Warrington who aims a flurry of close punches at his opponent against the ropes. Frampton tries to apply some pressure back close to the bell but it's not enough. 

10:56PM

Potential classic?

10:55PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R5

Frampton relying on the boxing skills he has honed over the years. But Warrington is not afraid to cut loose with his shots. Frightening intensity from both.

Warrington looks to have edged that round.

Sean O'Hagan, Warrington's trainer, tells him to 'be clinical'

10:51PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R4

Frampton was not the pre-right favourite for no reason. He'll be drawing on all his experience to get himself back into this fight.

Much better from the Northern Irishman there although Warrington closes the round out strongly despite a low blow he receives a warning for.

10:47PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R3

Frampton trying to regain his composure after that previous round. He lands a punch right onto Warrington's chin but the champion again responds in kind.

It's a much quieter round, will Warrington live to rue not finishing the job in the previous round? The Leeds fans are making themselves heard in the Manchester Arena.

10:43PM

Warrington vs Frampton- R2

Don't forget Frampton was the favourite coming into this fight. But he can't quite find his range so far.  That's better, with a right handed effort.

But Warrington responds with a flurry of body blows as his opponent edges towards the ropes and then Warrington rains down a whole load more punches as Frampton somehow manages to stay on his feet in the middle of the ring.

That bell would have been very welcome for Frampton. How did he survive that?

10:38PM

Warrington vs Frampton - R1

Both men in blue shorts (helpful!) with Warrington in the lighter blue shorts.

Warrington applies some early pressure and catches Frampton with a couple of big hits. He's nearly down but clings on somehow.

Frampton lands some blows of his own but the champion manages to shrug them off.

Blockbuster start and the crowd absolutely loves it. No doubt who won that round.

10:32PM

Boxing feast

Of course there's also the small matter of Chisora vs Whyte going on right now too. Luke Slater is doing live updates as well.

10:30PM

Warrington in the ring

Leeds fan and defending champion Josh Warrington emerges initially to 'Marching on Together' before the music switches to 'I predict a riot' by the Kaiser Chiefs. 

The atmosphere is heated. 

10:28PM

Ring walk time

Here we go, Carl Frampton emerges from out of the darkness first at the Manchester Arena. His ring walk song? Wizzard's 'I wish it could be Christmas everyday'. 

10:18PM

Right...Warrington vs Frampton

Next up is the one everyone has been waiting for. 

10:16PM

Flawless from Williams

10:13PM

Heffron vs Williams - Williams new British middleweight champion

Big from Williams who catches Heffron who stumbles back onto the ropes. The referee gives him a standing eight count but Heffron, who is trying to claim he tripped, clings on.

But only for a short while longer as the referee steps in to stop the fight in the tenth amid a flurry of punches from Williams. Masterful from the Welshman who wins the British middleweight title.

10:09PM

Heffron vs Williams - R9

Williams starting to tire?  Definitely better from Heffron in round 9. Williams still gets in a few tidy punches but not enjoying as much luck as earlier rounds. Heffron ahead in this round.

After the elbow in the previous round, there's a couple of late punches from both fights as the referee steps in again. These two really don't like each other.

10:05PM

Heffron vs Williams - R8

Williams bossing this British middleweight title fight. He gets a severe warning though from the referee for a low blow on Heffron, who takes some time out to compose himself again with a minute left of the round. 

He's not landing enough punches but he's trying to step things up. Williams also looks like he leaves a stray elbow in at the bell. Needless.

Heffron threatened to smash Williams nose all over his face. Seems like it's the other way judging by this photo.

9:59PM

Heffron vs Williams - R7

Couple of words exchanged between the two mid round. Williams has managed to neutralise Heffron so far. The triple jab combo particularly useful. 

Heffron meanwhile tries to land some punches but ends up just walking straight into one from his opponent. Another round for the Welshman.

9:57PM

Plenty of support from Frampton

9:56PM

Heffron vs Williams - R6

According to the BT Sport pundits, Williams is up in every round going into the sixth. Two quality right handers again from the Welshman. The undefeated Heffron has big punches in his locker, it's just whether he can unfurl them here. 

Oh that's big. Williams launches a big right handed punch which Heffron completely misses. That cut under his eye is also starting to open again. 

9:51PM

Heffron vs Williams - R5

Heffron straight in with a left hook. He smiles at his opponent, trying to bait him. Williams replies with a couple of tidy punches. 

Heffron could do with landing one or two of his power shots. A left hook almost causes Williams problems but the Welshman manages to glance it off and maintain his own rhythm. A couple of left hands draws ooos from his corner. He looks to have secured another round there.

9:47PM

Heffron vs Williams - R4

Better from Heffron who is trying to plant his front foot a little closer to his opponent. But not much happening in that round, quite a few missed punches from both.

9:43PM

Heffron vs Williams - R3

Myla (Williams) and Poppy (Heffron) - both fighters have the names of their daughters on their shorts.

Williams lands a couple of scoring punches early on but Heffron's back with his jab. Body shots from Williams who appears to have a clear plan for how to beat his opponent. Heffron yet to really get going.

9:39PM

Heffron vs Williams - R2

Heffron not quite committing to his shots and just pawing away with his jab. There's a brief stoppage for a clash of heads before Williams connects with a left hook. Another clash of heads and the referee issues a warning.

Heffron does get his jab working towards the end of the round but he's also sustained a slight nick under his right eye. Not clear whether that was from a punch or head clash.

9:35PM

Heffron vs Williams - R1

Strong start from Welshman Williams who manages to land a couple of early blows. Unlike his opponent, his timing seems to be on the money already, with the jab in working order.  Trainer Dominic Ingle tells him 'don't get carried away' but stresses he can beat him.

9:27PM

Next up...

...is the fight for the vacant British middleweight title between Liam Williams and Mark Heffron. 

It got a bit heated at the media conference with Heffron threatening:  "I'm going to smash that nose all over your face."

Williams is stepping up in weight after two controversial losses at super welterweight against Liam Smith. He also beat Heffron's brother Ronnie in 2014.

9:24PM

Getting closer to the main event

9:21PM

Murray vs N'Dam - N'Dam wins by majority decision

It went the distance but there was no grandstand finish that would have snatched victory for Murray.

In the end N'Dam, with his powerful upper cut, had the edge with the judges. Just. 114-114, 117-112, 116-112

9:12PM

Murray vs N'Dam

Into round 11 and this is getting close. The BT Sport pundits have N'Dam marginally ahead on the scorecard. 

Plenty of solid body shots from Murray but N'Dam also manages to land some handy combinations himself. High quality boxing towards the end of this fight.

9:06PM

Atmosphere hotting up

And where Warrington and Frampton will face off in a little over an hour

9:02PM

Martin Murray vs Hassan N'Dam

A potential four rounds remaining and N'Dam is looking good for this one. Murray is going to need to land a few big punches and quickly.

8:58PM

Josh Warrington: If I beat Carl Frampton it will mean the end of his career as a featherweight

At the final press conference ahead of their bout, Frampton, 31, probed the Leeds Warrior over suggestions he had made that the Northern Irishman was "over the hill". 

The undefeated Warrington, 28, denied the claims, and said that it was more a question of mentality than form.

Tetchy.

Read more of Molly McElwee's press conference report here

8:53PM

Controversial knockdown

Murray got himself a knockdown right on the bell in the fourth. Replays suggest N'Dam lost his balance though. The Cameroonian-French professional boxer came back strongly in round 5 and 6.

8:47PM

Martin Murray and Hassan N'Dam

We're into round 5 between Martin Murray and Hassan N'Dam for the WBC silver middleweight championship title.

8:44PM

Happy Hatton

8:37PM

Carl Frampton claims Josh Warrington is only 'fourth best featherweight champion in the world'

This fight has been hotting up in recent days with Frampton touting his opponent in public. He also opened up about his approach to life in the ring this year.

Read more about that here

8:31PM

'The good vibes are bouncing off of each other'

He famously won at Elland Road earlier in the year, and Warrington is continuing the Leeds link by inviting club captain Liam Cooper to join him for his ring walk later.

Read more of his interview here

8:25PM

First pro title for Conlan

Back in the ring and Belfast's Michael Conlan has just taken his first professional title, beating Doncaster's Jason Cunningham on points. 

Both fighters landed plenty of punches but new WBO Inter-Continental Featherweight champion Conlan always had the edge. 

8:22PM

Frank Warren doing his bit

The promoter has been, well, promoting the main event tonight. Here's a short, but highly revelatory, video of Warrington and Frampton arriving at the Manchester Arena.... Frampton likes his bananas.

8:17PM

And still undefeated...

Nathan Gorman, a relation of Tyson Fury, then put his unbeaten record on the line against Razvan Cojanu. It went the distance but ended up being a routine defence of his WBC International Silver heavyweight title. The unanimous decision took him to 15-0.

8:14PM

Fury's brother off to winning start

There's already been plenty of action on the undercard tonight, including a first professional win for Tommy Fury, younger brother of Tyson. He beat Jevgenijs Andrejevs by unanimous decision.

8:11PM

Tale of the tape

8:08PM

The build up continues

Plenty of people excited to see how this one pans out later this evening, including a certain Frank Bruno.

8:06PM

Pre-fight views of boxing correspondent Gareth A Davies

Josh Warrington shocked us all earlier this year when he ripped the IBF featherweight crown from Lee Selby in a brilliant performance of boxing and battling and combination punching wearing down the Welshman to win a memorable fight in front of his home fans in Leeds.

But Carl Frampton is a completely different fight for him. Frampton tends to box when others fight and fights when others box him and he is a terrific ring commander and counter puncher. Frampton for me may have too many tools in the box and outshine Warrington to win the majority of the rounds and claim the world title belt by unanimous decision. 

8:02PM

Nice to have you with us....

It's a big night of boxing for fans of the sport, almost too much action in the ring you could argue with Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte fighting at London's O2 Arena... (For live updates of that one can be found here, via Luke Slater).

As for me, I'm all about Josh Warrington versus Carl Frampton up at the Manchester Arena. Leeds fan Warrington is putting his IBF featherweight title on the line as he takes on Frampton. He won the belt after defeating Lee Selby in a bloody epic at Elland Road in May.

Frampton though is the favourite going into this one, a two-weight champion with victories over the likes of Kiko Martinez, Scott Quigg, Leo Santa Cruz and Nonito Donaire.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the fight immediately after Frampton's ninth-round stoppage victory over Luke Jackson, when Warrington stepped into the ring and the two had a friendly enough face-off. Things haven't been quite as friendly as the fight has got closer.

There's plenty of action on the undercard too, so stick with me and I'll keep you updated, including with round by round updates from Warrrington-Frampton.