BRITISH and European Champion Lee Selby will face world ranked no 14 Romulu Koasicha for an eliminator for the WBC world title at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on May 17.

The WBC International title which Lee previously won against Viorel Simion in July of last year will be up for grabs as Lee moves closer to a shot at the WBC world champion Jhonny Gonzalez. The fearsome Mexican puncher won the title in spectacular fashion last August with a one round demolition of Abner Mares.

As preparation for the big fight and thanks to the generosity of his sponsors Nina Estate Agents and LDS Motor Factors of Barry, Lee has just returned from Los Angeles where he sparred some of the world’s best.

Selby’s manager Chris Sanigar took his steed for ten days of hard training and sparring at the famous Wild Card which is run by renowned trainer Freddie Roach. It was the third time that the pair has been to the United States as part of a training camp. They also took with them undefeated welterweight prospect Tamuka Mucha who is one of Lee’s regular sparring partners in the UK.

Selby feels that the stateside trip has given him invaluable experience in his development as a professional boxer and it will no doubt be a key factor as he progresses towards a world title:

“While I was out there we visited some great gyms I sparred at the Wild Card, Marywood Boxing Club and the Rock Boxing Gym. It was perfect preparation for my next fight sparring with some sharp skilful Mexicans including undefeated prospects including Gabini Saenz, Manuel Robles Jr and experienced pro Charles Huerta. I always give a good account of myself and I definitely had the respect of the gym by the time we had left.”

Chris Sanigar has been making regular trips to the USA for many years since he and Freddie Roach became close friends back in the mid 1990’s when they met in Jersey on a training camp.

“Freddie was training (Super Middleweight Champion) Steve Collins at the time and I had taken Dean Francis and Glenn Catley to Jersey for sparring. During our time there we got talking and things progressed from there. We have been very close ever since and when I am in the States, about twice per year I always go to the Wild Card to visit. It was great to have him on hand when Lee was sparring, he has a great knowledge of the sport and it gave Lee a huge boost having him pass on some words of wisdom.”

Tickets for the event, billed as ‘The Second Coming’ which is being held at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff on May 17, are priced at £30, £40 and £60 Ringside can be purchased by calling Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699. Wales’ former world champion’s Nathan Cleverly and Gavin Rees will also feature on the card.