Lee Selby made a successful first defence of his IBF featherweight title with a unanimous points win over Fernando Montiel in Arizona.
The Welshman was seriously troubled at times by Montiel, a former two-weight world champion, and scores of 119-109 118-110 and 116-112 did not reflect a tough battle for the Barry man on his American debut.
Selby had found his range in the opening round, gaining the Mexican's respect with two right hooks, and tried to unload his swift punches behind a probing jab.
LEE SELBY
"My jab, reach and speed were my biggest advantages tonight. That was how I got the win.
"All the cuts I've had in my career have come against shorter fighters like (Montiel). When I got cut tonight in the 6th round it was the same thing. I caught a head butt.
"I was honestly disappointed in my performance tonight. I got the win and it was a great feeling to get my first one on U.S. soil. But the fans didn't see me at my best, and a big part of that was Montiel's experience. He's a great fighter."
FERNANDO MONTIEL
"I thought it was a lot closer fight than the judges had it on the scorecard.
"I spent the first few rounds waiting for him to come at me so I could counterpunch. But he wasn't engaging me so I became the aggressor and brought the fight to him.
"It was an honor to fight on this PBC card here in Arizona. I honestly think I deserve a rematch. I want to fight him again."
