Barry’s Selby in stateside title defence

“This is a tough challenge that most guys wouldn’t take”, said Selby.

“If I am talking about all these big fights with the likes of Warrington and Leo Santa Cruz I have to win this one first”.

Meanwhile, the champion Lee Selby has followed about as prototypical a prospect’s rise as can be followed; he won the title in his last fight from Evgeny Gradovich via technical decision on cuts, but before that, Selby went from fighting tomato cans (including the legendary Peter Buckley, in Buckley’s penultimate fight and 256th (!) pro loss), to fighting minor prospects, to fighting British contenders for minor British Boxing Board of Control and Commonwealth-British Empire titles, to the win over Gradovich. I’ve chosen a formidable foe and if I beat a guy like him and look good, it does wonders for me. He’s unbeaten in the last four years, but this is the sort of fight I need and I feel I’m more than capable of winning. “He mixes it up, boxes off the back foot, [so] I’m expecting a tough fight”, Selby added. I think I’m there with the best in the division.

“I’m just really excited and looking forward to putting on a great show like I always do”, said Selby, who tipped the scales at 125.8lbs at this afternoon’s weigh-in, Montiel lighter at 125.6lbs.

“I don’t mind being the away fighter and fighting in Arizona”. He just chose the wrong guy to make his USA debut against.

“I am fighting on free TV out here, so everybody gets to see me”. “The general attitude of stubborn and insecure and egotistical promoters is “you’re mine you ain’t going nowhere”. Hopefully my boxing skills will get me through it. The insecurity from promoters comes from having no longevity with their broadcaster. My attitude is totally different. He’s got a big fan base and the United Kingdom fans want it, so it’s a lucrative fight.

How long has the idea of coming to the US for a major title fight been in the back of your mind since you turned professional? If Alexander wins convincingly (no matter how boring the actual fight), then he’s got something left.

If he stays out of range and keeps himself out of trouble, Selby will retain his crown on points. “I get paid, he gets paid, we all get paid”.

Selby has set his sights high but conquering a demanding and unforgiving American audience could prove to be the biggest test of his career.

It is true that former 3 weight champ, Montiel, will be the smaller – and perhaps crucially, older -fighter on the night, though that’s not to say this fight is anywhere near a formality, such is the experience, ringcraft – and also the momentum of an 8 fight win streak- the 36 year old Mexican brings with him. And Selby, with the American market already curious about him, could soon be a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic.