Selby To Defend British Title Before World Belt Bid

Andrew Selby may opt to defend his British title before he turns his attention to following brother Lee in becoming world champion.

Selby junior is considering a mandatory defence of his flyweight crown against Kevin Mitchell after making history at the Cardiff Ice Arena on Saturday night.

By outpointing Louis Norman, 27-year-old Selby became the Welshman with the fastest route to a British title – achieving his aim in just five fights after a distinguished amateur career.

But thoughts of a rushed pursuit of a world title belt are not on his mind and he insisted: “I am going on holiday on Tuesday for four days because I am going to get a sun tan and then get straight back in the gym.

“I want to be a world champion but there is no rush. I will get some more 12 rounds in by defending this title or going for a European crown.

“There is no point throwing me into the deep end straightaway because I have only had one 12-round fight. I can take my time.”

Selby’s victory was the first time he had gone a full 12 rounds, but he added: “I was a bit worried, because it was my first time, but I was fitter than I expected and I trained very hard for this.

“What a fighter Louis is and big credit to him. What a tough and tricky man and you can just tell that by the state of my face.

“I had to concentrate the whole time and next time I have to learn how to keep my hands up because I was getting a lot of bruises.

“We are both awkward and it was like a game of chess at first. I believe I was the more experienced and that’s why I won but it was a great fight.”