Ice Man Selby Stays Cool In Reach Of History

Andrew Selby aims to make history on Saturday night when he fights Louis Norman for the vacant British flyweight title in just his fifth professional bout.

Barry fighter Selby (4-0-KO3) steps in against Norman (11-1-1-KO2) in Cardiff’s new Ice Arena, looking to secure his maiden title in the paid ranks.

If he does so – just seven months after his professional debut – it would be the fewest fights a Welshman has taken to win a British title and the shortest duration of time. Former world bantamweight champion Robbie Regan holds the current record after winning his British title after eight fights 26 years ago.

Selby, who is the younger brother of IBF world featherweight champion Lee Selby, said: “I’m delighted to be boxing for the British title.

“It’s going to be a big night for Welsh boxing and I can’t wait. I’m in against a good opponent in Louis Norman but I believe I have that bit extra.

“I want to win the British title in style and ultimately I want to be a world champion. This is the start of my championship boxing journey.”

Even big brother Lee believes his 27-year-old sibling is destined to become the most successful fighter in the family. Andrew won everything there was to win as an amateur – apart from an Olympic medal – and although his brother held back on turning professional as it seemed he wanted to chase gold in Rio, Lee says: “If Andrew trains and lives the life of a professional boxer, he could be the best Welsh boxer ever.”

That’s an assessment shared by many in boxing, including Selby’s vastly experienced trainer, Tony Borg.

“Andrew had a great schooling in the amateurs and boxed all around the world,” says Borg.

“There are top pros boxing now who Andrew beat on his way up through the amateurs.

“Norman is a very good fighter at British level but Andrew is a level or two above, and if he is on form he can end it in seven rounds.”

Norman was over the 8st limit at the official weigh-in and returned 45 minutes later to just make the weight after being forced to strip naked.

Opponent Selby said: “I noticed he was heavy so that has given me an advantage. I had a feeling he would struggle because when I saw him in Cardiff at the original press conference in March, he looked massive.

“That last bit of trying to get the weight off can affect your performance.”

Norman, 22, bounced back from an English title points defeat to Charlie Edwards by outpointing Craig Derbyshire over four rounds last time out.

Selby versus Norman takes place on the undercard of Lee Haskins’ IBF world bantamweight title defence against Mexico’s Ivan Morales.