Lee Selby relishing chance of first fight in America

Lee Selby hopes to become a big name in America as he looks forward to his US debut in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Selby (21-1, KO8) takes on Fernando Montiel in Arizona in the first defence of his IBF featherweight title, sharing top billing with Devon Alexander's bout against Aron Martinez.

The Welshman is unbeaten since 2009 and victory over the vastly-experienced Montiel (54-4-2, KO39) could mean a meeting with exciting Mexican Leo Santa Cruz, a fight that would almost certainly see Selby topping the bill outright.

"[America's] the biggest stage in boxing, I believe," Selby said.

"Back in the UK I'm sort of like a star. Every boxing fan knows me; out here, not so much. I want to be a worldwide star and fighting in America gives me the opportunity to do that.

"You get away from your home comforts, but I know it benefits me to come over here and makes me a better fighter.

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"He's got bags of experience, by far the most experienced fighter I've boxed and he could be the best [opponent yet] even if he is past his prime. He mixes it up, he boxes off the back foot. I'm expecting a tough fight."

Watch Lee Selby face Fernando Montiel in the early hours of Thursday morning - coverage from Arizona starts at 2.00am on Sky Sports 1 HD.