Selby eyeing up a 2018 duel with Frampton after his London date

LEE Selby insists that re-aligning with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren is the final cog in his quest to secure universal recognition as the world’s leading featherweight.

‘The Welsh Mayweather’ makes a fourth defence of the IBF strap — which he captured in 2015 — at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday, knowing a sizzling show will propel him into the big fights for big coin that he has long coveted in 2018.

“Frank has got Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton, so those fights should be easy to make, and hopefully Scott Quigg can also hop on board so we can have a round robin. Everyone can make money and we’ll find out who’s the best,” said the 30-yearold, who meets unbeaten Mexican southpaw Eduardo Ramirez.

“I’d like to fight three times in 2018; three months to train for each fight, then a month off in between. I’d love to beat Warrington in Leeds, beat Frampton in Belfast then propel myself into a unification fight in the US.

“Josh, Carl and Scott are all very good fighters with good qualities. Warrington has a good jab and a high work rate.

“Carl darts in and out of range and judges distance very well for a relatively small guy. He’s experienced, well schooled and can punch. If I had a bad night he’d knock me out, no doubt. Quigg is fit and game, well seasoned.

“Frampton’s the fight I want most, he’s the best known and a win over him would be a massive boost. While I’d start favourite against the other two, I’d be even money or an underdog against Carl over in Belfast. But I’d have too much class and ability.”