LEE SELBY is gearing up for an eliminator for the IBF featherweight title against Joel Brunker on October 11 at the O2 in London.
Selby already knows his next opponent well. “We sparred together over in America at Mayweather’s gym. We sparred over about three days. We must have done about 18 rounds together,” Lee told Boxing News. “He’s good, he’s tough, game, super-fit, high workrate so it’ll make for a good fight.”
Russia’s Evgeny Gradovich, the IBF champion, therefore is firmly in Selby’s sights. “He’s a similar style to Brunker. I think Brunker is a better fighter to be honest. [Gradovich] doesn’t look exceptional but he does everything well. I think his style will suit me again,” the Welshman said. “Joel Brunker’s a perfect fight if I do get the fight with Gradovich. They’re similar styles, perfect preparation.
“I don’t mind traveling, I’d love to fight [Gradovich] out in America. He’s been fighting in big shows in Macau for his last two fights, so out there would be good.”
Selby is building slowly towards his goal. “I’ve done it the right way, gradual steps up. I think when I get to fight for the title I’ll be able to win and I’ll be able to defend it a few times. Some people get there too early and they get beat, some people get and they’re not good enough to keep hold of it. I think my career’s gone perfect, so when I win the title, I’m good enough to defend it,” Lee insisted.
