Xu primed for shot at history

UK uncertainty

Last month, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) said it was hopeful the sport will return in July, but suggested that only limited numbers of people will initially be allowed to attend shows.

"Initially, it is unlikely that crowd-attending promotions will be permitted," read a BBBofC statement on April 30.

"In that situation the emphasis will be on minimal numbers of officials, license holders, members of the promoters' teams and broadcasting personnel to facilitate a tournament that meets all BBBofC safety requirements.

"No tournament will be permitted to run unless the venue has been approved by the BBBofC post the government lockdown being lifted."

Warrington had hoped to fight in front his loyal fans at Headingley Stadium, the home of Leeds' professional rugby and cricket teams. Those home supporters had previously roared him on to glory when he upset the odds against Welshman Lee Selby to claim the IBF title at soccer club Leeds United's Elland Road ground.

But the 29-year-old admits that if promoter Eddie Hearn offers him a no-spectator fight this year he'll take it.

"If Eddie said, 'Listen, you're going to have to fight behind closed doors for a unification or you wait until next year but it's not going to happen', then I'd scoop up the unification fight," Warrington told the Press Association.

"I'd feel guilty a little bit because there are a lot of fans who have been coming since day dot and have not missed a single fight and there are a lot of fans who sacrifice a lot just to be there. It's an occasion, a lot of them feel like they're in there with me and I couldn't imagine having to force them to sit at home and watch it on the telly.