Welsh boxer Gerome Warburton believes that the pressure will rest on Nathan Heaney when they meet again this Saturday. The 31-year-old Warburton claimed the WBA Continental Middleweight title in March by defeating the 37-year-old former British champion Heaney on points.
Heaney, who has won 19 out of his 22 professional fights, plans to retire after this rematch, which will take place at Birmingham’s BP Pulse Live venue. Warburton told BBC Sport Wales that he doesn’t feel any pressure in fights, as he is used to being the away fighter and thrives in that role. He added that performing in large stadiums, at press events, or far from home is nothing new to him.
Warburton, hailing from Colwyn Bay, called his March victory over Heaney at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena “surreal,” especially fighting in front of 15,000 fans, including over 2,000 Heaney supporters from Stoke-on-Trent. He admitted there was significant pressure to win the fight and that losing would have been difficult to handle. However, he seized the opportunity, performed beyond expectations, and proved his capability, earning the respect of his team and fans.
Since no rematch clause was included in their initial contract, Warburton was initially focused on pursuing other titles. But after receiving a call that Heaney wanted their next fight to be his final one, Warburton accepted immediately, viewing it as an unmissable chance.
Gerome Warburton began his professional career in 2019 and claimed the Welsh middleweight title three years later by defeating Morgan Jones. Among his 21 professional bouts, one loss came against Kieron Conway in May 2025 while contesting the vacant British middleweight title. Warburton, nicknamed “The Bread Maker,” dreams of fighting for a world title. He said he never specifically aimed for a world championship but simply wanted to see how far he could go, starting with winning the Welsh title. Now, thanks to dedication and hard work, he is on the cusp of world-level fights—a remarkable achievement for a fighter from Colwyn Bay living out his dream.
Fan Take: This upcoming rematch is crucial for fans of the sport, as it not only marks the finale of a respected career but also offers Warburton a chance to solidify his standing on the world stage. The bout could set the tone for future middleweight contenders, showcasing the determination and grit needed to rise from domestic success to international recognition.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
