Evgeny Gradovich-Lee Selby Set For April 25 in London

Evgeny Gradovich will travel to jolly old England for his next title defense. The unbeaten featherweight will face mandatory challenger Lee Selby, with the bout set for April 25 in London, England.

The two sides came to terms, thus avoiding the fight having to go to a purse bid hearing. 

The fight was ordered by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), who recognizes Gradovich as its featherweight champion. 

Gradovich (19-0-1, 9KOs) won the belt with a 12-round decision over Billy Dib in March '13, having since successfully defended four times. Included among the lot was a far more convincing win over Dib, forcing the Aussie to wilt in the 9th round of their Nov. '13 rematch.

His last defense came last November, fighting to a 12-round draw with Jayson Velez in their HBO-televised title fight in which most viewers though Gradovich deserved the nod.

Selby (20-1, 8KOs) earned the mandatory ranking with a 9th round stoppage over previously unbeaten Joel Brunker last October. He has won 16 straight dating back to 2009. The bout will mark his first crack at a major title, though coming in the comfortable confines of his home country, where he has fought exclusively since turning pro in 2008.