Lee Selby vs. Fernando Montiel: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
Lee Selby will make his American debut Wednesday as he defends his IBF featherweight title against the experienced Fernando Montiel.
The Welshman Selby (21-1, 8 KOs) will be in action for the first time since signing a promotional deal to join Al Haymon's ever-growing stable of fighters.
While the idea may be for big fights in New York or Las Vegas at some stage, The Barry Boy Assassin begins his U.S. adventure in the lesser-known venue of the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
The midweek bout sees him going up against a man in Montiel who made his professional debut way back in 1996. The Mexican has a 54-4-2 record, with 39 of those victories coming by knockout.
When: Wednesday, October 14, 6 p.m. local (9 p.m. ET, 2 a.m. Thurs BST)
Where: Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona
TV: ESPN (U.S.), Sky Sports (UK)
American Adventure
Selby is not taking an easy option in the first defence of the title he won in May.
He claimed the IBF belt by systematically breaking down the teak-tough Evgeny Gradovich, with their bout at the O2 Arena in London stopped in the eighth round due to a cut above the Russian's right eye.
All three scorecards had it tallied in favour of Selby, with one judge awarding him every round.
A slick boxer who has been the British, Commonwealth and European champion at the weight, the 28-year-old has the skills to impress a new audience in the United States.
It will help his profile that the bout will be broadcast on free-to-air television in the United States, even if it is taking place on a Wednesday night in Arizona.
However, Selby knows he has to be at his best against Montiel, per David Anderson of the Mirror:
"It is a bit of a gamble. But I didn't want to be like most other fighters who have an easy first defence against some unknown on home turf.
I want to go to America and fight an ex-three-weight world champion and build up my profile over there.
It is a tough fight and Montiel has been a pro for 20 years. He's unbeaten in the last four years, but this is the sort of fight I need and I feel I'm more than capable of winning.
"
If Selby is to retain his title, he will do it with precision, not power.
He has a career knockout rate of 36 percent, though three of his last four bouts have finished inside the distance.
There are big fights on either side of the Atlantic on the horizon for Selby. He has already mentioned the name of Leo Santa Cruz in an interview with George Gigney of Boxing News.
However, Selby could instead stay home and offer Josh Warrington a crack at his world title—an Anglo-Welsh showdown, most likely in Warrington's back yard in Leeds, England, would be richly rewarding.
First, though, Selby has to make sure he retains his focus on the present. That means getting the job done against Montiel and making a positive impression on a new fanbase.
The Wrong Guy
Montiel has quite a CV. The 36-year-old is a former three-weight world champion who has only lost four times in nearly two decades as a pro.
Cochulito is now trying to win a major belt at a fourth different weight. He is confident of achieving that feat by beating Selby, according to Boxing News 24:
"I honestly believe that (Selby) chose the wrong guy to fight. I’ve had great preparation for this fight. All the work has been put in. He just chose the wrong guy to make his US debut against.
I was very happy when I heard that we were going to fight in Arizona. There are lots of Mexicans here, so I know I’ll have a lot of people behind me on Wednesday. It’s going to be great to fight here.
"
He has a 17-3 record in world-title fights and has only been stopped once inside the distance, by Nonito Donaire in 2011.
Montiel was also beaten by Victor Terrazas in the same year, but has since reeled off eight wins on the spin.
Arizona will also feel like a home away from home for the challenger. He has not fought outside of Mexico since being knocked out by Donaire inside two rounds, but should have the majority of the crowd support on his side.
Montiel, who stands at 5'4", will have to find a way to deal with a taller (Selby is 5′8 ½″) and younger opponent.
He does have the benefit of experience on his side, though. Don't expect him to take a backward step as he bids to claim yet another honour in his career.
Prediction
Selby is right to talk up the dangers of Montiel.
However, the champion knows the size of the task facing him, and also what is at stake in terms of his earning potential.
If he stays out of range and keeps himself out of trouble, Selby will retain his crown on points. A late stoppage isn't out of the question, but Montiel has the heart to make it through to the final bell.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
