Lee Selby targets likes of Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell Jr

By Isaac Robinson

World champion Lee Selby says the featherweight division is currently the strongest in boxing - but he still plans to unify it.

The Welshman (22-1-KO8) won the IBF crown by stopping Evgeny Gradovich in May and has since made a maiden defence against Fernando Montiel in Arizona.

With Vasyl Lomachenko, Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell Jr holding the other belts, Selby admits he finds himself in a weight-class brimming with talent but insists he is just as happy to fight unification bouts as take on domestic rival Josh Warrington.

Image: Leo Santa Cruz (R) is Selby's preferred target at the top

Selby, 28, told Sky Sports: "The featherweight division is probably the best in boxing at the moment. It has the best champions but I'm happy to fight anybody.

"I'm either stupid or brave, being a boxer! So I'll get in with anyone. I leave it to my manager because knowing me, I'd choose the toughest one.

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"If and when I fight my mandatory, it will be in February or March so Josh Warrington could have one before then and we could set it up for the summer.

Image: Gary Russell Jr currently holds the WBC crown

"There are also fights like Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Gary Russell Jr and Jose Cuellar the WBA champion. There are a lot of options and we'll see what's right at the time.

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"My preference would be one of the other champions because I want to try to unify the division. At the same time, Warrington is snapping at my heels and I want to prove I'm the best in the country, let alone the world.

Image: Vasyl Lomachenko is a world champion after a handful of fights

"Russell Jr and Vasyl Lomachenko are similar fighters - boxers with fast hands and intelligent in the ring. I can adapt and I've got the height advantage. I'm more experienced. I've been in 14 title fights so for the 23 fights I've had, I'm very experienced.

"I want to be the main boxer in the featherweight division. I want to be in a position where I can draw the likes of Santa Cruz and Russell Jr to my home turf, to fight in Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium. That's the main aim.

Selby defended his IBF featherweight title against Fernando Montiel

"I'd like a fight with Santa Cruz. It's nothing personal but he's the best-known fighter out there in America with his Mexican fan base. If I can get a win over him, it will change my profile."

Selby may be required to make a mandatory defence early next year with Eric Hunter and Jonathan Victor Barros due to face off for the right to challenge him.

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