McCall salutes Saracens record
LEE SELBY got a real taste for boxing in Japan – and for sushi – when he visited earlier this month.
And now the Welshman (above) would love nothing more than to make a name for himself in the East once he has conquered the West.
The IBF featherweight champion was in Tokyo for the clash between Satoshi Hosono and Jonathan Victor Barros.
It was a final eliminator for the right to meet him in December, with Barros coming out on top. Selby was impressed with the Argentinian, but impressed too with Japan.
And after December’s fight, which is likely to happen in the United States, and a possible unification bout with Carl Frampton or Gary Russell Junior next year, he is now seriously keen for a fight in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Selby said: “It was my first time in Japan, so it was different and a great experience.
“It’s only boxing that takes you to these places where I wouldn’t be heading. Muhammad Ali travelled MARK McCALL saw both sides of his Saracens team as they rewrote the record books in France with an historic 31-23 Euro win over Toulon.
The French side had never lost at Stade Mayol in the Champions Cup – a 16-game streak – until they were put in their box by the holders after 80 minutes of mayhem.
Sarries played rugby from the gods for the first 40 minutes, then played chunks of the second half with 14 the world and boxed everywhere – that’s something I’d love to do.
“Japan is a beautiful place and I had a great reception, so I’d love to fight somewhere like that. I had sushi every day and loved it.
“Barros won the fight so he’s going to be next and it’s looking likely that it’ll be December.
“And once the mandatory is out of the way I’m looking to fight a big unification fight with Gary Russell Junior or Carl Frampton.”
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Fights against American Russell Junior and Frampton, who has already made a name for himself on the other side of the pond, would raise Selby’s profile over there.
And, after a frustrating year which has seen him fight just once, he is desperate for that.
Selby said: “I’d liked to have had one more fight this year so I would have had three fights.
“That’s the plan for next year, that’s the perfect amount for me.
“I’d have two months in training camp, then a fight, and then a month off – it’s no good being a men after Maro Itoje and Schalk Burger were sin-binned but held on for a landmark win. Sean Maitland (below) set the tone, producing a poacher’s finish for the first try.
Boss McCall said: “For us it was a performance that had everything.
“In the first half we played some beautiful rugby and showed resilience in the second half when we went down to 14 twice.”
WASPS made an impressive start to their campaign with a 12-try, 82-14 monstering of Zebre at champion if you’re not defending your title.
“The Frampton fight is the one I’d really like because he’s a British fighter as well and a domestic fight would make the most sense boxingwise and financially.”
Not that he will take his fight with Barros for granted.
Selby, 29, said: “When I watched Barros live, he was different to what I’d seen on YouTube and online.
“He’s a dangerous opponent, punches very hard with both hands, unorthodox, so it would be a tough fight. But I’m confident I would come through it OK and then line up a big fight next year.
“Barros I think will be in America, though I haven’t got a clue where, and it should be on a big show.
“I’m looking to crack America now – that’s why I signed with Al Haymon, to get showcased in America to a wider audience.
“Frampton did well out in America, they got to know him and hopefully I can get the mandatory out of the way, get a win over Frampton – and get all that for myself.” the Ricoh Arena. Stephen Myler landed an injury-time penalty to give NORTHAMPTON a 16-14 win over Montpellier – and ensure Saints’ domestic malaise was not carried into Europe. France No.8 Louis Picamoles was man of the match. But it was Myler who landed the killer blow after Nic White had failed to put the ball into touch. Montpellier fielded a gigantic starting XV but Saints camped in their 22 in the final 10 minutes and eventually got their reward.