BARRY boxer Lee Selby has said it is a “dream come true” to find himself within touching distance of becoming the Featherweight World Champion.

Selby is set to defend his European Featherweight title in a world title fight eliminator fight when he co-headlines a bumper show at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on May 17.

He will be joined on the 'Second Coming' bill by former World Light Heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly as he makes his debut at Cruiserweight.

Selby’s win over Rendall Munroe in February landed him the European belt to sit alongside his British and Commonwealth titles and has seen him leap up the World rankings, sitting at number three in the WBC and six with the IBF.

Selby, 27, said that he was now targeting a world title attempt later this year.

“I'm so close to achieving my dream of being WBC champion,” said Selby.

“I think I am good enough to hold my own with any Featherweight in the world, but I want to win the title and defend it, so that’s the goal that we are building towards.”

Selby, whose last fight was the defence of his European featherweight title at the Motorpoint Arena in February, said that he couldn’t wait to fight at the same venue again: “The atmosphere is going to be amazing fighting in front of a home crowd.

“This time as a WBC eliminator for the world title it means it’s very exciting times for me.”

After successfully defending his titles and winning the British Featherweight Lonsdale belt outright over the last 12 months he said that becoming world champion would be “a dream come true”.

“I started boxing when I was eight years old and that’s been my dream from the start,” he said.

“It’s every boxer's dream and now it’s literally in touching distance.

“In two fights I could be in range to challenge for the world title.

“When I get the opportunity I’ll put everything on the line and I won’t let it slip.”

He added that he was confident of the fight ahead of an as yet unnamed opponent.

“Training has been going well and I might be going to the Los Angeles for some sparring in Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym,” he said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, of Matchroom Boxing, said that he was “delighted” to be back in Wales after the “huge success” of the February show.

“It’s great to be teaming up with Nathan Cleverly and Lee Selby is now on the verge of a World Title shot, so it’s a huge night for both men,” he said. “The first instalment of Buckland vs Rees was a Fight of the Year contender and I take my hat off to both men for going at it again. Callum Smith vs Tobias Webb is an intriguing battle for the WBC International title, Chris Jenkins will be in action as he moves into range of a British title shot and Limerick’s Middleweight contender Andy Lee will also feature on a great night of action in Cardiff.”

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40 and £60 ringside available from livenation.co.uk or by calling 02920 22 44 88, and from Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699.