• Featherweight

'Hidden gem' Selby tipped for world glory

Lee Selby has followed Ricky Burns and George Groves to Matchroom © Getty Images

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British and Commonwealth featherweight champion Lee Selby has followed the lead of Ricky Burns and George Groves by signing for Matchroom.

Managing director Eddie Hearn believes the Barry-born fighter has huge potential, stating that Selby could soon be in the same breath as Groves or Burns and become a world champion.

"Everyone knows about George and Ricky, but there is something about Lee that really excites me, he's a hidden gem," Hearn said.

"He's got it all and potentially he's the most exciting of the recent signings we've made. He's got swagger, can punch and can move.

"He's had no easy fights, travelled to beat Stephen Smith in Liverpool (to win the British and Commonwealth title) and to Belfast to beat Martin Lindsay.

"No one knows who he is outside boxing, but we can make people go 'wow, this kid can really fight'. Inside boxing circles he is already known as phenomenal [fighter].

"He will become world champion and we want to build him into a superstar, which he has the skills and ability to become."

Selby, 26, will make his Matchroom debut in Blackpool on April 20 before co-headlining in Cardiff on June 15 alongside Gavin Rees; the Welshman is adamant he can make a big impact with his new promoters.

"I'm confident - you could put me in with Vitali Klitschko and I'd be confident that I could beat him, that's just my attitude," Selby said.

"I spar with heavyweights in the gym but have never been hurt. I haven't been given a meal ticket. I started right from the bottom, fighting on small hall shows."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.