Selby stays calm ahead of Leeds storm

WALES’ IBF featherweight title holder Lee Selby says his has no fears of facing challenger Josh Warrington at an electric Elland Road tonight.

The Barry-born fighter, who will be making the fifth defence of his crown won against Evgeny Gradovich in 2015, will face the fire and fury of Warrington’s hometown fans in Leeds.

But the 31-yaer-old says the venue of the bout doesn’t matter and he’s not fazed about heading to Yorkshire.

“I’ve traveled to America to defend my title, so going to Leeds won’t bother me at all,” he said.

“I’ve fought whoever wanted to fight me. Of course, he thinks it’s his time, but he will have to wait a little bit longer for my title, what’s mine is staying mine.

“Fighting in his backyard doesn’t bother me at all, part of being a world champion is that you are willing to fight anywhere, you don’t pick and choose.”

Unbeaten Warrington, though, says he is aiming to make home advantage count.

“It’s going to be a great event and I’m just going to enjoy it,” he saud.

“But when I get in that ring the horse blinkers go on and I’ve got 36 minutes to concentrate on the job at hand and that’s to win that world title.

“This is definitely the most hostile crowd [Selby] has been in front of.

“With Kaiser Chiefs playing live too, I would like to be in the stands enjoying it with the boys, but someone has got to do the business on the night.”

■ Follow all the action from Selby v Warrington, live at walesonline. co.uk tonight