Selby targets Frampton after classy success
LEE Selby is targeting a mouth-watering fight with Northern Irishman Carl Frampton after a comfortable victory over Andoni Gago.
The Welshman put on a classy display in a non-title bout that was stopped by referee Bob Williams in the ninth round with the Spaniard bringing little to the fight.
After a long spell out of the ring – his Las Vegas fight with Johnny Barros last month was cancelled due to the challenger failing his medical – Selby impressed onlookers, though he didn’t really need to get into third gear.
The O2 Arena was half-empty as Selby boxed early on the undercard of David Haye v Tony Bellew and there was an overriding sense that he belonged on bigger stages than this – and he wants Frampton.
“I want Frampton but I respect him massively,” he said after the fight. “If you asked him, I think he’d say the same.” We won’t make any headlines or flip tables.
“We respect each other and we’re both excellent fighters, we don’t need to trash talk. “Our skills will sell the fight.” The early rounds set the tone and it quickly became apparent that there was a gulf in class between the two fighters.
Selby, who was in great shape after preparing so hard to face Barros, never looked uncomfortable and was the man throwing all the shots.
Gago hit the canvas in the opening round but didn’t looked particularly dazed, with his corner up in arms about the punch that appeared to connect near the back of the head.
However, little blame could be placed on the Welshman with Gago turning his back frequently.
To his credit, the Spaniard began to throw some shots and held the middle of the ring reasonably well but Selby was always in control of the fight and looked to be shaking off any ring rust.
“It was a decent performance,” added Selby. “Gago was a very tough guy and took some real stick. I got a few rounds under my belt.”