Lee Selby looking to take care of business this Saturday
Author: Bob Day
Lee Selby will be out to retain his IBF Featherweight title, on Saturday night, at Wembley Arena, London. He will be making a mandatory defence of the title against Argentinian Jonathan Victor Barros (41-4-1, 22 KOs). Promoted by Poxon Sports, the card features Chris Eubank Jr vs Arthur Abraham and will be live on ITV Box Office (PPV).
The pair were meant to clash in January, at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. 24 hours before the scheduled bout it was declared off, at the weigh-in, by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Selby's dream of fighting in the boxing capital was cruelly taken away. It was a chance to shine on the same card as rivals Carl Frampton & Leo Santa Cruz, who were competing in a rematch live on Showtime US TV.
Barros sought clearance from the governing body and was cleared of any medical issues, Selby had to put the belt on hold, while waiting for a new date. In April, Selby stopped Andoni Gago in nine rounds, in a non-title fight and on Saturday, has the chance to finally clear up his mandatory defence.
The pair were meant to clash in January, at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. 24 hours before the scheduled bout it was declared off, at the weigh-in, by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Selby's dream of fighting in the boxing capital was cruelly taken away. It was a chance to shine on the same card as rivals Carl Frampton & Leo Santa Cruz, who were competing in a rematch live on Showtime US TV.
Barros sought clearance from the governing body and was cleared of any medical issues, Selby had to put the belt on hold, while waiting for a new date. In April, Selby stopped Andoni Gago in nine rounds, in a non-title fight and on Saturday, has the chance to finally clear up his mandatory defence.
'The Welsh Mayweather' Lee Selby, 30, has held his title since 2015. He captured the title by beating Russian Evgeny Gradovich, via technical decision after eight rounds. He followed that up with successful defences against Fernando Montiel and Eric Hunter. Selby (24-1, 9 KOs), boxes out of the orthodox stance but is comfortable switch hitting. He's tall, for the division, and uses his long jab, movement, speed and highly rated skills; to box and control his opponents.
Barros, 33, holds a record of 41-4-1, 22 KOs. He is a former WBA World featherweight champion, having held the title for a year back in 2010. He successfully defended the title twice beating Miguel Roman and Celestino Caballero. In a rematch with Caballero, he lost the belt on points.
His career started back in 2004, and he went unbeaten in his first 29 fights, before dropping a decision to talented Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa, in Germany in 2010. It was after that defeat that Barros then contested the vacant WBA title, against Irving Berry, and stopped his man in the seventh round.
In 2012, he challenged Mexican Juan Carlos Salgado for the IBF World super featherweight title. He was outpointed over twelve rounds. His next fight would be the only time he has been knocked out. Barros met the hugely talented Mikey Garcia, in a bout in Las Vegas, and was stopped in the eighth round. The Argentine then racked up six wins before travelling to Japan to face Satoshi Hosono, in an eliminator for the IBF title, winning on a split decision.
He's a rugged competitor, who is not particularly quick or hard to hit. He's been dropped several times, in his career, but usually gets back up. Not an easy fight for anyone, though his best days are slightly behind him. Can throw wild punches from out of range and sometimes will go all-out in attack. Has done the full distance several times, so, has a good engine.
I can only see a win for the champion. A clear decision victory the most likely outcome, though a late stoppage is a strong possibility. It will be more about the manner in which he achieves it. Then it is onto potential clashes with the likes of Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton. Both would be good paydays and attract a lot of attention.
Barros, 33, holds a record of 41-4-1, 22 KOs. He is a former WBA World featherweight champion, having held the title for a year back in 2010. He successfully defended the title twice beating Miguel Roman and Celestino Caballero. In a rematch with Caballero, he lost the belt on points.
His career started back in 2004, and he went unbeaten in his first 29 fights, before dropping a decision to talented Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa, in Germany in 2010. It was after that defeat that Barros then contested the vacant WBA title, against Irving Berry, and stopped his man in the seventh round.
In 2012, he challenged Mexican Juan Carlos Salgado for the IBF World super featherweight title. He was outpointed over twelve rounds. His next fight would be the only time he has been knocked out. Barros met the hugely talented Mikey Garcia, in a bout in Las Vegas, and was stopped in the eighth round. The Argentine then racked up six wins before travelling to Japan to face Satoshi Hosono, in an eliminator for the IBF title, winning on a split decision.
He's a rugged competitor, who is not particularly quick or hard to hit. He's been dropped several times, in his career, but usually gets back up. Not an easy fight for anyone, though his best days are slightly behind him. Can throw wild punches from out of range and sometimes will go all-out in attack. Has done the full distance several times, so, has a good engine.
I can only see a win for the champion. A clear decision victory the most likely outcome, though a late stoppage is a strong possibility. It will be more about the manner in which he achieves it. Then it is onto potential clashes with the likes of Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton. Both would be good paydays and attract a lot of attention.
Lee's mother Frankie sadly passed away on Tuesday. Lee has vowed to fight on.
"I'm OK, I'm good. I'm here to do a job, and a job is what I'll do. I'll stay focussed, stay professional" Selby told BBC Wales Sport. "Saturday night I'm going to get a win and travel back home to Barry
"Family comes first. In my life, that's what comes first. Family and boxing - that's all I am"
"Lee and his team have made the decision that they will proceed with the contest on Saturday" said Selby's Manager, Jamie Sanigar. "Lee is a brave young man and he's here to do a job on Saturday."