IBF world champion Lee Selby has vowed to prove once and for all that he is the number one featherweight in the UK.

Barry’s Selby is hoping for a massive 2018, culminating in him beating Carl Frampton in Belfast and standing alone as the country’s top fighter at 126lbs.

Before that the Newport-based 30-year-old must navigate his way past mandatory challenger Josh Warrington on Saturday, May 19.

Promoter Fran Warren has confirmed that contracts for the grudge match in Leeds have been signed.

Warrington (26-0) brought the blockbuster all-British showdown closer to reality by stopping previously unbeaten Dane Dennis Ceylan in a final eliminator back in October.

A former English, Commonwealth, British, European and current WBC international king, Warrington is now determined to join the division’s elite by becoming Leeds’ first world champion.

St Joseph’s stylist Selby (26-1) claimed the IBF crown against Russia’s Evgeny Gradovich at the 02 Arena in May 2015 and has made four successful defences.

Selby and Warrington have been embroiled in a long-running war of words on social, with the Welshman accusing the Yorkshireman of “bottling” an opportunity to face him in 2016.

But now the bitter rivals will settle their feud once and for all in the first ever world title fight to be held in Leeds – the exact venue is still to be confirmed.

Both men know there is potentially a greater prize on offer than the belt itself, with victory in May likely to provide a passport towards a summertime showdown with former two-weight world champion Frampton.

“Let’s see what Josh is made of,” stated Selby. “He’s done everything that has been asked of him so far.

“He’s picked up my vacated titles and beat a lot of my past opponents. To his credit, he’s earned his position as my Mandatory Challenger and deserves his shot.

“If Josh comes steaming out like he has done in the past that will just play into my hands as I’ll pick him off like I have done with numerous past opponents.

“If he opts to box on the back foot I definitely can’t see him outboxing me. In fact, there’s no way I can see him beating me.

“The plan is to beat Warrington and then go over to Belfast and beat Frampton too. If I beat Frampton then the world is my oyster.

“This is a huge year for me and by the end of it I’ll prove to everyone that I’m the number one featherweight in the UK.”

Warrington, 27, said: “By winning this fight, not only do I get my hands on a world title, but it’s a chance to show everyone that I’m the best featherweight in the UK and propel myself onto the world level.”