Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby believes Josh Warrington has shown him no respect.
The pair are set to clash in an enthralling showdown from Leeds United’s famous Elland Road on Saturday May 19th for Selby’s IBF World Title, live on BoxNation.
Speaking exclusively to the BoxNation Podcast, the Welshman feels that the undefeated Warrington has been disrespectful and wants to do his talking in the ring.
“Warrington has no respect for me – absolutely none at all. The way he keeps running his mouth it doesn’t seem that way. I respect everyone who boxes as an amateur or professional because I know the hard work you have to do in the gym. So I respect everyone who boxes,” Selby said to Steve Lillis.
“It’s hard to say if he is my toughest test. Different fighters bring different styles and it depends how I am on the night. I know if I box to the best of my ability I will win hands down.
“You’ll have to wait and see on May 19th and I’ll have to show it then [if I’m the best Featherweight in the world],” he added.
Former World Champion Barry Jones who joined the host Dev Sahni on the podcast thinks that Warrington’s harsh words in the build-up are all just a bit of gamesmanship from the Yorkshire fighter to get under Selby’s skin.
“I think Josh Warrington does have respect for Lee Selby but he’s just trying to get him rattled. I don’t think it’s worked but maybe Josh believes it’s worked,” said Jones.
“That’s Josh’s way, he needs to be angry and needs to be like ‘I have a problem with you’. Lee’s style and personality comes across as more like ‘whatever’ or ‘we’ll see when you get in the ring’ because his style isn’t to put it on you. It’s a fantastic fight.
“I think Josh is wary this is the biggest fight of his career but he also believes it will be the biggest and hardest fight of Lee’s career- which it may well be,” he said.
BoxNation subscription is £12 per month plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV. €15 per month plus €10 registration fee for ROI Sky TV customers. £11 per month with no registration fee for Virgin Media customers. £12 per month and no registration fee for TalkTalk, Freeview, EE, online and app (iOS, Android, Amazon) customers. No minimum term.
