Boxing: Josh Warrington wins European title with KO of Davide Dieli in Leeds

Josh Warrington enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a convincing knockout of Davide Dieli to win the European featherweight title in front of a deafening home crowd in Leeds.

The 23-year-old added a third major title in 10 months as his crushing fourth-round stoppage of his Italian opponent saw him pick up the vacant European strap to add to his Commonwealth and British titles.

A buoyant crowd made for an incredible atmosphere at the First Direct Arena and Warrington gave them plenty to shout about as he dominated from start to finish and simply blew Dieli away.

From the first round Warrington was faster, quicker to the jab, more hurtful with his body shots and generally outworked his opponent into the ground.

The 35-year-old Dieli struggled to find any joy and was never given a moment’s rest due to Warrington’s incredible engine and incessant work rate, and in the fourth round it became just too much.

Warrington sent Dieli to the canvas with a quick combination, and after the Italian struggled to get back up after an eight count, Warrington simply leapt on his man and after unleashing an overwhelming barrage of punches the referee had to step in and end the fight.

Next step

“I'm still learning with every fight,” said Warrington, who improved to 19-0 with just the third stoppage of his career. “I'll leave it to the team - I'd fight Nonito Donaire tomorrow but I'll leave it to the team.

“I'm always learning and getting stronger. (Lee Selby) has set out of the traps a little bit quicker than me and he's got a world title eliminator, but I'm hot on his heels. If he gets a world title then I'll be looking to be his first defence but I'll take each fight as it comes.”

Warrington admitted the rapturous reception he received by the home crowd fired him up for such an impressive performance.

“How can I not get fired up with all these fans? They are absolutely amazing. I don't know any other place in the country which creates an atmosphere like this.

“It's hard not to get carried away because they get you very fired up, but I use all the energy from the crowd and take it into the ring. They keep me going from the first bell to the last.”