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SecondsOut Breakout Fighter Of The Year: Lee Selby

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By Olly Campbell: At the start of 2015, SecondsOut.com ’breakout star,’ Lee Selby (22-1, 8ko) was envisioning a year that would see him finally claim the world title he always believed would be his destiny.

 

For the 28 year old Welshman, the realisation of that vision came back in May, when, in his first fight of 2015, he dethroned IBF fighter of the year, Evgeny Gradovich, in London, firmly announcing himself on the world stage with a confident, methodical and assured performance that saw the tough California-based Russian stopped by the ringside doctor after eight rounds on a cut that had opened above the right eye. It was of little consequence that the injury was sustained when heads came together, as Selby had already delivered on the pre-fight hype that had seen certain sections of the boxing press in the UK describe him as the ’Welsh Mayweather’ in reference to his silky fistic skills and championship potential.

 

The dismantling of Gradovich was enough to catch the eye of hugely influential American advisor and Premier Boxing Champions [PBC] brainchild, Al Haymon, who inked a deal with the Barry Island native shortly afterwards, propelling Selby on to the huge shop window of the American network television market, where, back in October and under the PBC banner, he made the first defence of his title against experienced Mexican veteran and former 3 weight world champ, Fernando Montiel.

 

In an entertaining scrap, Selby eventually overcame the older man with a hard fought unanimous decision that wasn’t without it’s hairy moments, particularly in the mid rounds. Sporting a cut, Selby had to stay calm and composed under heavy fire from the bullish 36 year old Montiel, though got back to winning off the jab, controlling the distance and seeing things through for the nod on the cards. The fight represented a good learning-curve for the Welshman at world level, ensuring he banked some valuable experience as he moves into 2016 and potential showdowns against the likes of domestic rival Josh Warrington, and fellow Haymon-advised champions, Leo Santa Cruz [WBA], and Gary Russell Jr [WBC].

 

Along with the screening of the excellent BBC documentary ’Bad Boy Boxer,’ [which shows how Selby – along with brother, Andrew - overcame the adversity of his humble beginnings through dedication to boxing, assisted by his coach/mentor, Chris Sanigar], it has been a tremendous year for the unassuming Welshman, who no doubt deserves the SecondsOut.com award for ’Breakout Fighter 2015,’ and will surely be seeking to continue his fantastic momentum well into the new year and beyond.

 

Twitter @undilutedpoison

 

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