The Spaniard shocked Kid Galahad in Sheffield last year to become a two-time world champion. Now he’s back in England to defend his title against Josh Warrington
By Jonathan Drennan for the Guardian Sport Network
Kiko Martínez will defend his world featherweight title in Leeds against Josh Warrington on Saturday night. Martínez possesses the belt but once again he will be the away opponent, fighting alone in front of a packed crowd of 15,000 raucous fans who are desperate for him to lose to their hometown hero.
The 36-year-old has fought 55 times across the world, from dingy shows in Ireland to the bright lights of packed arenas in the US, but he is never happier than when he is home in Torrellano, near Alicante. In many ways the small town and the fighter are symbiotic. They both represent a simple life that prioritises working hard for your family and never forgetting your roots.