Josh Warrington has warned Kid Galahad he is in for a "very hard night" as the IBF featherweight champion aims to press on with his plans to unify the division.
Warrington will make the second defence of the title on June 15 in his home city of Leeds, where he will top the bill against his mandatory challenger.
He became a world champion by dethroning Lee Selby last May before rounding out the year with an impressive points win over Carl Frampton.
The 28-year-old has his sights set on facing his fellow champions at the weight - with WBA holder Leo Santa Cruz topping the list of targets - but insists he will not be taking fellow undefeated fighter Galahad lightly.
"I want to go on and unify the division – believe me I'm the best featherweight in the division," Warrington said at a lively press conference in Leeds.
"But, as a champion, this is what you have to do. Barry is in my way, he's in for a very hard night and that title is staying in Leeds."
#WarringtonGalahad pic.twitter.com/0Em872FEEQ
— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) March 19, 2019
Galahad recorded a unanimous points triumph over Toka Kahn Clary on American soil to earn himself a shot at the IBF belt.
The Sheffield-based fighter resumed his career in 2016 after serving an 18-month doping ban, though Warrington has not forgotten about his opponent's past.
"This sport is hard enough, people go in the ring and out their lives on the line. Some don’t come out. The last thing we need is someone trying to take that extra inch," he said.
"He makes no remorse. He's been banned. The sport doesn’t need people like that, we need characters, entertainers. We do not need people like him."
Galahad lost twice to Warrington in their amateur days but is confident he will prevail third time around, believing he is superior to the reigning champion in every department.
"It's destiny - I'm going to rip that title away from him in his home town," Galahad said, drawing jeers from those Warrington fans present at the venue.
"If you want to be a champion then this is what you have to do. I am better than him in every single department. Everything he does, I can do better."
