Lee Selby dimissed Eric Hunter's rematch claim and tells him to grow up and sort his attitude out
Wednesday 13 April 2016 17:31, UK
Lee Selby has laughed off Eric Hunter's rematch claim, branding him "weak" and unprofessional.
The IBF world featherweight champion made it clear the challenger will not get another crack at his title and says the American was his own worst enemy.
Selby kept his title with a unanimous decision at The O2 on Saturday despite being put down in the second round.
He spent too much time complaining, he was the one who was mentally weak. He said I was before the fight but I think he showed it - in and after the fight. His mindset was all wrong. Too weak. Way too weak
Hunter accused the Welshman of being a "cry-baby" and believes he should have been given the verdict, leading him to call for an immediate rematch - which provoked a speedy response from the champion.
"Hunter knows that was his only chance, that's why he's throwing his toys out of the pram," Selby told Sky Sports.
"Mandatory challengers usually get one chance and one chance only and he got his and he blew it. He could probably achieve a lot more in the sport if he acted a little bit more professional and sporting, rather than storming out of the ring in a strop.
"I knew he was a good fighter, he just had the wrong attitude. He was too negative, there was a basic lack of work rate - although if he'd have done more, I'd have done more and he'd have lost even wider.
"He spent too much time complaining, he was the one who was mentally weak. He said I was before the fight but I think he showed it - in and after the fight. His mind-set was all wrong. Too weak. Way too weak."
Selby has now defended his world title twice, the first one against the experienced Fernando Montiel in Arizona in October.
He is now looking for another big-name fight and suggested Hunter's behaviour has left him way down the featherweight pecking order, even in America.
'The Outlaw' was deducted a point for low blows but claims he won seven out of the 12 rounds, while Selby insists the victory proved his "determination".
Selby said: "Even without the low blow I beat him comfortably so why does he want another hiding?
"I watched that fight back and I won it hands down. I gave him that round when I was down and I maybe gave him another one.
"It showed my grit and determination. I showed I've got a good chin. I was down but I wasn't wobbled at all, my legs were fine and my head was clear, so I showed I can get up from a heavy knockdown and go on to dominate.
"I want to fight again this summer. I will take on the big names now Hunter is done. He had his chance and I am already looking up and onwards."
