Leeds Rhinos Foundation is delighted to announce that WBC International Featherweight Champion Josh Warrington has agreed to become Vice President of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the official charity of the Leeds Rhinos.
The East-Leeds-born fighter joined Leeds Rhinos Foundation's Chair, Dr Neil Kaiper-Holmes and Director of Operations, Bob Bowman, at Headingley Carnegie Stadium to announce the appointment that will see him strengthen his links with the Super League Champions.
Speaking about the appointment Warrington, who fights two-time world title challenger Patrick Hyland on the 30th July at First Direct Arena in Leeds, said: “I am really looking forward to being part of the team and working with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation as a Vice President.
“As a proud Leeds lad I am always keen to promote the city’s sporting achievements and supporting the work that goes on in the community through the Leeds Rhinos Foundation is a great opportunity.”
Warrington, who holds a perfect professional boxing record of 23 wins in 23 fights following his title defence against Higashi Amagasa in April, has received a groundswell of support from the city of Leeds throughout his short career, with eight of his bouts taking place in front of his passionate support base at venues in Leeds.
The 25-year-old, who is a regular spectator at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, was flanked by Leeds Rhinos stars Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Jamie Peacock on the way to the ring prior to his Commonwealth and WBC International Featherweight fight with Joel Brunker in 2015 and also appeared on stage in support of the Rhinos at First Direct Leeds Arena a month later to celebrate the club’s treble success.
The Featherweight fighter joins a prodigious list of Leeds sports stars, musicians and celebrities who have taken up Ambassadorial roles as Vice Presidents for the Foundation including; Kevin Sinfield MBE, Ryan Sidebottom, Matthew Lewis, Nell McAndrew, The Kaiser Chiefs, Stuart Lancaster and MP Greg Mulholland.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation last year enjoyed it’s 10th anniversary of providing life changing community-based projects across the region, working with 50,000 children, young people and adults every year through the power of sport.
The charity, who deliver a wide range of projects under five focus pillars of Education, Health, Sport, Art and Heritage has grown into one of the most pioneering sports charities in the UK comprising of over 40 staff and volunteers.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation Director of Operations Bob Bowman said: “It is great news that Josh has agreed to be a Vice President of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
“Josh is Leeds through and through and does a lot for the community already, he is a great ambassador for his sport, the city and he is also a massive Rhinos fan himself.
“Here at the Foundation we feel privileged that a professional sportsman of Josh’s stature is joining our already impressive list of Vice Presidents and it goes without saying that we wish him all the best for his fight on the 30th July.”