Eric Hunter Announced As Next Challenger For IBF Champ Lee Selby

ByMatchroom Boxing

Lee Selby will defend his IBF Featherweight title against mandatory challenger, Eric Hunter, at The O2 in London on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The Welsh ace returns to the venue where he won the title against Evgeny Gradovich in May and it’s his first defence on British soil following his maiden defence against Fernando Montiel in Arizona in October, defeating the three-weight World champion on points.

Selby now faces his first mandatory defence in the shape of Hunter, the Philadelphia man known as ‘The Outlaw’ who takes his first shot at a World title in his first fight outside America.

The 29 year old champion has vowed to hold onto his title in style and is excited by the prospect of fighting at The O2 for the third time in his career.

“I can’t wait,” said Selby. “I’ve always wanted to box on April 9 and I’ve been working towards that and my head’s been on it, so now it’s confirmed it’s great news.

“Hunter looks decent and it will be a good fight, but I am more than ready for this one. It’s always nice to fight in front of your home fans so it will be great to have my second defence in front of my own people.

“Last time I went away to America, so it was hard for them to watch. It was on in the early hours of the morning but this time they will get to see me and that is important. I will be at my best. I will show why I am the IBF world champion and show people what I can do.”

“This is a great fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “I think it’s the toughest of Lee’s career and I’m delighted to add it to this huge night of boxing. Lee has boxed at The O2 on a number of occasions and who can forget his defining moment against Gradovich to win the title there just under a year ago. I think the atmosphere and occasion will see him shine on this bumper night for British boxing.”

Selby’s clash with Hunter is part of a bumper night at the sold-out London venue as Anthony Joshua MBE challenges Charles Martin for the American’s IBF World Heavyweight title, while there’s a key Middleweight battle between former World title challengers Matthew Macklin and Brian Rose, plus more fights to be confirmed soon.