JOSH WARRINGTON was dismantled by Saturday night rematch nemesis Maurico Lara when the fight threatened that it would start a day earlier.
In a silent Wembley arena, the Leeds ace was shocked by a devastating knockout loss to the unknown Mexican.
A fierce staredown culminated in fireworks at the weigh in
Headingley will host 20,000 screaming fans on Saturday night to support their hero in a revenge mission.
Around 600 of these diehard supporters took Friday off to go to Friday's lunchtime weigh in and piled down at The New Dock hall to scream their man onto The Scales.
The 30-year old had no trouble reaching the 9th limit. He also launched the intimidation campaign, which was supported by his legion.
After he had climbed 125lbs, the 30-1/ace roared into the audience like a man-possessed. He got too close to the visitor's liking before Lara shoved him back. Security then dived in.
He stated, "It's great to be back. It's nice for everyone to turn out and it's nice to see that there's going be a large crowd on Saturday night. It feels normal."
"This is what I have become accustomed to. I've been used to the big stage since I won my world title. This is something I have been waiting for so long.
"Going back into normality, going to a stadium and having people in the crowd are my second wind, adrenaline, my twelveth man, that little advantage.
"They are part of Josh Warrington’s attributes, it’s going to be special for me to walk out, and I’ll give them redemption."
Conor Benn, who is taking on Adrian Granados from Mexico on Warrington's Undercard, will be looking to make the leap to 19-0.
Benn defeated Covid-19 to reach his welterweight limit in time for Saturday's Adrian Granados match.
Fans' favorite, aged 24, was to face the American on July 31, but the bout was stopped by Nigel, a positive test.
The heavy-handed ace needed only a few days to rest, and was back in Tony Sims’ gym setting personal records.
Eli's father must have kept his son, eight-month-old Eli, within the 10st 7lbs weight limit in August so that he could cruise to Leeds at 147 pounds.
After weighing in at 146lbs, the tattooed banger gave one last threatening look to his rival.
He stated that it would be a serious ruck, or someone is being laid out. It won't be me.
"People may mistake my confidence for arrogance, but I'm the one running at 3am so I have every right to feel confident.
"Granados has been in the welterweight division with the top dogs so he is a huge test."
Benn was a 19-year-old raw Anthony Joshua undercard player who made his professional debut in 2016.
He has been called a novelty act by his fight genes.
He feels that he has proven himself to be the best in all-action and is excited to show his excitement to Headingley's 20,000 fans.
He said, "All these people arrive believing I am all hyped and I am here for them."
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"It took me five years of hard work and not five minutes to get here. It took a long time to achieve this.
"I believe this will be my best O2 debut, because I've had a crazy Leeds welcome.
"It was so good, I may even have a beer at the pub afterward with everyone."
