- Warrington has 23 victories by decision
- Lopez's two defeats have both come via decision
- Recommended bet: Warrington to win by decision or technical decision

Josh Warrington makes the first defence of his IBF featherweight title against Luis Alberto Lopez in Leeds on Saturday after regaining the strap earlier this year.

Warrington initially won the IBF strap in 2018, and he made three defences before vacating the belt in 2021 after the governing body refused to sanction a unification bout with WBA champion Xu Can.

The Leeds Warrior did not compete between October 2019 and February 2021, and he suffered a first career defeat upon his return.

He reclaimed the IBF title in March this year, courtesy of a seventh-round TKO victory over Kiko Martinez and faces a test in trying to hold on to the championship.

Lopez steps into the lion's den this weekend, fighting in Warrington's hometown as he looks to win his first world title.

The Mexican is riding a nine-fight win streak, and each of his last three victories have come via knockout.

Home crowd can make the difference

Warrington has made no secret of his love for his hometown of Leeds, and he will be fighting in the West Yorkshire city for the 17th time on Saturday.

The 32-year-old has recorded 15 victories in front of his legions of fans in Leeds, with the only blemish on his record coming when he fought to a technical draw with Mauricio Lara in 2021.

Frustratingly that bout only lasted two rounds at Emerald Headingley Stadium before it was called off after Lara was severely cut above his left eye due to a head clash.

He was cheered on to victory when last seen at Leeds' First Direct Arena as he reclaimed the IBF belt following a classy performance over Martinez.

That will be the setting once again this weekend, and the hostile atmosphere could prove to be a key factor in this contest.

Lopez likely to make fast start

Lopez boasts knockout power, and he will be eager to land hard and early on Warrington as he looks to pull off an upset.

El Venado has picked up 15 of his 26 wins by knockout, and his last three fights have ended via that route.

Since losing to Ruben Villa in 2019, Lopez has picked up nine successive wins, and seven of those have come inside the distance.

He will have to earn Warrington's respect on Saturday, and it would not be a surprise to see him come out with intent from the first bell.

Wise Warrington can outpoint Lopez

Warrington was on the verge of securing a mega-fight in the USA, but his shock loss to Lara in 2021 derailed those hopes.

It was Warrington's first fight outside of Leeds since 2018, and he looked well below his usual standards.

He appeared to have matured when beating Martinez earlier this year, and we can expect a similar performance this weekend.

Wary of Lopez's power, Warrington should look to maintain distance and stay on the outside, certainly in the early rounds.

Backing Warrington to win by decision or technical decision at 11/10 via LiveScore Bet looks the way to go.