Selby Brothers Targeting Big Fights in 2016

By Matt Bevan

Manager Jamie Sanigar has provided Boxing Scene with an update on the Selby brothers, Lee and Andrew, as they look ahead to what is expected to be a very busy 2016.

The Bristol based manager is hoping to make some big fights for Lee, who holds the IBF featherweight title and was last in action defending his belt in Glendale, Arizona, unanimously outpointing Fernando Montiel in the first defence of his title.

He is also excited to be working with Andrew, the former amateur sensation, who made his pro debut in October and has already got his sights on world titles, fresh off his win over Everth Briceno in Carshalton last weekend.

Sanigar said: “With Lee we’re just clarifying the mandatory situation with the IBF. Eric Hunter and Jonathan Barros are the two at the top of the list, so we’d like to get a fight out of the way if it is called, so we can target something bigger in the summer.

“There’s obviously the fight with Josh Warrington, which Eddie Hearn assures us can do 30, 40,000 at Elland Road in Leeds. It would be great for publicity over here, but we have the link with Al Haymon in the U.S., where fights with Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares and Gary Russell Jr. are possible.

“I’m looking to plot Lee’s course to mega-fights and in three to four years time we could get these stars over here and fill out the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, with Andrew as the co-headline with his brother.

“Lee says he’s more naturally gifted than him, so if he is as dedicated as Lee, then he’s a safe bet to be a world champion. He’s been training with the GB squad in Sheffield for nearly eight years, so the change of environment was what he needed.

“Andrew is targeting a world title very soon, within 10, 12 fights and he’s a superb talent. He’s the brightest prospect in world boxing.”

Matt Bevan is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @MBevs68