Lee Selby says a dazzling performance against Rendall Munroe at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on February 1, live on Sky Sports, will be the start of a big time boxing boom in Wales.
The Featherweight stylist is aiming to land the vacant European title against Munroe, with Selby making the fourth defence of his British belt.
It’s Selby’s first fight on home turf since he defended his Commonwealth title in May 2012 against Patrick Okine, and the 26 year old says he can be the main man in his homeland and bring huge fight nights back to Wales, starting against the former Super Bantamweight World title challenger.
“I want to be the face of Welsh boxing,” said Selby. “There are shows in Wales but no ‘big time’ shows, and I’m excited to be top of the bill. It’s been a long time coming not just as a fighter but as a fan of boxing.
“I’m expecting the best Rendall Munroe on February 1. I think he’s going to come at me, keep coming through the fight and try to wear me down. I’m super fit, I live in the gym, and when he tries to up the pace, I’ll up it more, I’ll outbox him, catch up with him and get him out of there.
“I don’t think I am far away from the World title scene. Hopefully I can win this title and maybe make a couple of defences, then look to a final eliminator for a big one.”
Selby’s clash with Munroe is part of a huge line-up of action in Cardiff, with an all-Welsh Lightweight clash between Gavin Rees and Gary Buckland and the fourth pro fight for Olympic Gold medal hero Anthony Joshua MBE, who tackles Aberdare’s Dorian Darch.
Prizefighter Light Welterweight champion Chris Jenkins looks to take his unbeaten record to 13 fights, former European Middleweight champion Kerry Hope hits the comeback trail and there’s another all-Welsh clash on the bill between Jason Cook and Tony Pace for the Welsh Area Light Welterweight title.
St Clears’ Dale Evans meets Erick Ochieng in a tasty Welterweight contest, Swansea Super Middleweight Tobias Webb is eyeing a big title shot and meets Nathan King in a six round bout and there’s a seventh pro outing for Bristol Welterweight Tamuka Mucha.
Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40 and £60 ringside available from www.livenation.co.uk or by calling 02920 22 44 88, or from Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699.
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