SELBY MUST IMPRESS

The Welshman could be in line for a huge 2018 if he turns back the challenge of Ramirez

SMART-BOXING Welshman Lee Selby

shares top billing in East London with Degale as he defends his IBF featherweight crown against Mexico’s Eduardo Ramirez.

Like Degale, Selby won his belt in 2015 and hooked up with influential adviser Al Haymon. But despite making three defences (one in the USA), the lucrative unification bouts have so far eluded the Barry man, although he’s had rotten luck - a January Las Vegas showcase defence against Jonathan Victor Barros was cancelled at the weigh-in because the Argentinian was deemed medically unfit.

It went ahead at Wembley in July, with Selby winning on points, and now the Welsh Mayweather must clear this hurdle before 2018 can bring megafights with top challenger Josh Warrington and then Carl Frampton (both also promoted by Frank Warren).

Ramirez, a 24-year-old southpaw from Los Mochis, is unbeaten in 24, including three draws and a No Contest. Only seven early wins from 20 suggests he’s not much of a puncher.

Eduardo’s most significant fight was his most recent, when he travelled to Las Vegas in September and drew over 10 with Leduan Barthelemy. The Cuban, a 5ft 11ins portsider, was a 13-0 prospect so there was no shame in the draw.

Even though Selby hasn’t boxed a southpaw since beating Rendall Munroe in 2014, Ramirez’s left-handed stance is unlikely to bother him. Expect Lee to take a look early on before stepping up the pace en route to a clear points decision.