Heartache for Leeds boxer Josh Warrington as he loses IBF featherweight title to Luis Alberto Lopez

Delight for fiery Mexican Luiz Alberto Lopez, but utter devastation and despair for Josh Warrington who lost his IBF featherweight world title in his hometown.

Warrington, the ‘Leeds warrior’, fought valiantly throughout as he sought to retain his belt ahead of a potential dream fight in Las Vegas, but mandatory challenger Lopez was not to be turned down.

Judges Adam Height and Mike Fitzgerald scored the fight 115-113 against Lopez while Howard Foster called a draw at 114-114 as Warrington lost his belt in the ring for the first time.

It was heartbreak for Josh Warrington (pictured) who lost his featherweight title on Saturday

He was beaten by Luis Alberto Lopez (left) in a close fight that was decided on points

The scoreline speaks volumes about how close a brutal encounter was in which both men showed remarkable heart and resilience to go the distance.

Warrington, 32, vacated his IBF title in January last year before losing for the first time as a pro a month later when he was brutally stopped by Mauricio Lara.

A rematch with Lara soon followed, but the fight ended in a draw following a head clash which prevented the Mexican from continuing.

After bouncing back and impressively beating Kiko Martinez earlier this year to regain the IBF title, this fight represented a golden opportunity to prove his pedigree as a world-class boxer.

The Mexican fighter (pictured) tore Warrington apart in round one by breaking his nose

But he too was left with some battle scars, with the pair fighting valiantly to the end

Leeds captain Liam Cooper carried Warrington’s belt into the ring while Lopez, 5ft 4in, who had won 26 of 28 fights in his career, looked unfazed at all.

During a fast first lap, he managed to land a dig that left burgundy dripping from Warrington’s nose.

Lopez ripped through the Leeds fighter again during the second round, but Warrington managed to land some terrific shots.

Judges Adam Height and Mike Fitzgerald scored the 115-113 against Mexican fighter Lopez

Howard Foster called a draw at 114-114 as Warrington lost his belt in the ring for the first time

An accidental clash of headers then left little Lopez with a cut above his left eye before a high-paced third round saw the pair continue to trade punches in brutal fashion.

It was hard to separate two well-matched fighters and the hope for Warrington was that his vocal support would bring him home.

Still, Lopez remained unfazed, grinning and smiling sarcastically as his opponent attempted to rain punches on him.

Much like a visiting team traveling to Elland Road and silencing the screaming crowd with an effective game plan, Lopez’s tactics and desire gradually quieted the crowd of around 8,000.

Warrington came on well in the ninth round, forcing Lopez on the ropes with some big punches

“Increase your work rate, Josh!” shouted Tony Bellew at ringside in the fifth round and the message was heard.

Round six saw Warrington overpower Lopez and finally get the better of his opponent, landing a vicious left hook in what scored the best punch of the fight so far.

The war of attrition continued in the seventh round and the crowd found their voice in the next round.

Warrington, a married father of twins, showed his mettle in the ninth round by forcing Lopez onto the ropes and landing a number of clean shots.

Lopez complained again, this time for a low blow to the back, and referee Bob Williams gave him a time out, to boos from Warrington fans.

Round 10 was similarly blow-for-blow before the penultimate round saw Warrington land a number of fine shots, including a fine left hook as Lopez’s previous cut above his left eye was open again.

The 12th round saw both men really go for it and celebrate at the final bell as if they had won – but it was Lopez who prevailed to the jeers of the stunned home crowd.