By Jake Donovan

Evgeny Gradovich attempts the fifth defense of his featherweight belt, hitting the road as he faces Lee Selby in a dangerous mandatory title fight Saturday evening at O2 Arena in London, England. 

The bout serves in supporting capacity to unbeaten Brit Kell Brook's welterweight title defense versus countryman Frankie Gavin. 

Gradovich (19-0-1, 9KOs) came out of nowhere to claim a featherweight belt in 2013, outpointing Billy Dib in a bout that at the time was perceived to be a considerable upset. Their rematch later in the proved a far more telling tale, that Dib has seen his best days while Gradovich is, in fact, for real.

Affectionately known as 'El Ruso Mexicano' ('The Mexican Russian') given the surroundings at famed trainer Robert Garcia's gym in Oxnard, Calif., Gradovich manages to continue to find a way to stay on top. The all-action featherweight survived a scare in November, whe he was held to a draw by Jayson Velez in their HBO-televised title fight. 

Selby (20-1, 8KOs) remains a hot featherweight commodity, at least on the domestic scene. The 28-year old Welshman comes in riding a 16-fight win streak, including notable victories over Rendall Munroe, Stephen Smith and Martin Lindsay. 

A knockout win over previously unbeaten Joel Brunker last October earned Selby the mandatory title shot he receives this evening. 

Read on to see how the staff at BoxingScene.com believes the featherweight action plays out.

BOXINGSCENE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS: EVGENY GRADOVICH vs. LEE SELBY

Ryan Burton (Gradovich SD): Selby is game but Gradovich pulls out a close win. 

Jake Donovan (Selby Dec.): I expect a close fight and a debated decision regardless of winner. Anywhere else, I'd be inclined to pick Gradovich to steal a close one. Given the location, I like Selby's chance to claim the crown by the slimmest of margins. 

Takahiro Onaga (Gradovich SD): This look like a very tough bout, I think the Russian will just do enough to keep his belt in a very close one. Judges get applauded for getting it right.

Cliff Rold (Selby Dec.): Gradovich is very good in subtle ways but Selby is too and he has the wind at his sails in the UK.

Victor Salazar (Selby Dec.): Gradovich-Selby can compete for being the fight of the weekend along with Linares-Mitchell. Selby could be the better boxer and if he runs out to an early lead and can stay away from the late onslaught of Gradovich, he can come out with a decision. I’m torn on this one but I think Selby ekes out a hard fought decision.

Reynaldo Sanchez (Gradovich UD): Both lack of power in their hands to knock, this is the kind of fights that ends up winning, who have better physical condition. For the styles, it seems that this fight to win, you must set the pace and fight inside to hit longer and better. Gradovich by UD.

Alexey Sukachev (Gradovich SD): Selby is a cool cat with skills but he has never fought such an energizer as Gradovich. Had it been in the States, I'd pick my compatriot with a unanimous decision. In the UK, with his crowd behind his back, Selby can hit a wonder. It'll also depend on judges but I can't lose my optimistic, patriotic fever - Gradovich with a decision.

Totals:
Gradovich–4
Selby–3

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox