BARRY'S Andrew Selby is set to represent the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing tomorrow (November 23).

Andrew will step into the ring at the Celtic Manor in Newport against Daniele Limone from the Italia Thunder team.

The 23-year-old, who reached the quarter-finals at the London Olympics in the summer, said he is looking forward to competing in the WSB, which features five three-minute rounds, lighter gloves and no head guards or vests.

"Sometimes I start off slower and three rounds isn’t enough time to bring it back, so five rounds should suit me better," he said.

"I’m fighting a professional boxer who’s won nine of his ten fights so it will be hard, but I’m confident."

This is the first time a British team has entered the WSB - a global boxing league formed of franchise teams from around the world. A pro-style competition, it allows boxers to retain their amateur status and Olympic eligibility.

The Lionhearts team is drawn from boxers who are part of the GB Boxing Olympic Programme, along with a number of international selections, and Friday's team includes Olympic medallists Fred Evans and John Joe Nevin.

Andrew, who has been part of the GB Boxing Olympic squad since 2007, has stepped up to the bantamweight division to compete in the competition. Lee Selby, Andrew’s champion boxer brother, is confident.

"I think it’s one of the strongest teams in the world," he said.

Teams from Great Britain (British Lionhearts), Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and USA make up Group B; with Argentina, Azerbaijan, India, Mexico, Poland and Russia making up Group A.

British Lionhearts made a successful start to their campaign with a win over the USA last Friday (November 16), with Joe Cordina, Sean McGoldrick, Antony Fowler and Uaine Fa setting up a convincing 4-1 victory.

The finals of the WSB take place in May, but beyond that, Andrew remains undecided on his longer-term future.

"I’m not looking at the Rio Olympics at the moment as it is a long way away," he said.

"But I will look at the Commonwealth Games in two years time and see what happens there."

* Tickets are still available for British Lionhearts against Italia Thunder at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, November 23. Ticket prices start at £20. Call 0845 4674428, visit www.celtic-manor.com/blb  or purchase on the day.