JOSH Warrington took time out from his preparations for Saturday’s showdown with Kiko Martinez to take a swipe at IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby, claiming he wants to “punch his head in”.

Warrington was slammed by St Joseph’s star Selby last summer after talks over a clash between the two broke down because of the latter’s wedding plans.

After that, Selby, who is set to take on mandatory challenger Jonathan Barros in Las Vegas, said Warrington’s chances of meeting him in the ring were over.

However, ahead of his WBC international featherweight title defence this weekend, Warrington has stoked the fires once more.

“Selby does use his reach well, to hit and move off,” he said. “He’s got good variety and is usually very busy for six rounds, snatches the early rounds, then protects the lead.

“Downside? He thinks he’s a banger when he’s not. He puts far too much into his punches then fades.

“Lee might be champion but we bring the gate. If you have no fan base you have to travel to earn money. If and when it happens, it’s very likely to be in Leeds.

“Last year, Selby was red-hot favourite as the world champion I’d challenge. It didn’t happen but the fight’s certainly not dead.

“The fight and animosity has been stewing for a while now and I’m very eager to prove all my doubters wrong.

“There’s definitely a bit of friction.

“I’ve never slagged off anybody’s ability or achievements but he gives me no credit and his fans made it worse on social media. Now my lot have got involved.

“Let’s just settle it. I want to punch his head in.”

Meanwhile, St Joseph's super-middleweight Morgan Jones travels to London tonight to try and take his unblemished pro record to 11 wins.

He meets Yorkshireman Adam Jones (6-20-5) over six rounds at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in Bayswater.

Jones was last in action in April when he recorded a sixth-round knockout of Harry Matthews at the Newport Centre.

He had been due to fight in Cardiff on May 26 but pulled out of the show.