LEE Selby intends to cement his standing as the leading light in Britain’s white-hot featherweight division by sizzling in the fourth defence of his IBF belt against unbeaten Mexican Eduardo Ramirez at London’s Copper Box Arena on December 9.

In light of the UK’s glut of recent world champions, the super slick 30-year-old St Joseph’s ace from Barry has largely slipped beneath the radar since his coronation in May 2015.

Over the ensuing 31 months, Selby has been restricted to just three defences – albeit against men with combined stats of 116-11-3 – and remains some way down the pecking order of high-profile British ring stars.

And that’s a matter Tony Borg-trained Selby is keen to alter over the coming 18 months or so now that he has renewed his association with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.

“I’m really excited to be back on a Frank Warren show and featuring on such a quality card,’ he said.

“You’ve got the slick boxers like (IBF super-middle king James) DeGale and myself headlining plus exciting big hitters like Anthony Yarde and Daniel Dubois so there should be something for everybody to enjoy.

“This is my first fight live on BT Sport so I’ll be tapping into a fresh audience, showcasing my talent to fresh faces and broadening my fan base hopefully.”

Smooth Selby can expect a stiff test from his 24-year-old challenger, who is yet to meet with defeat in a 23-fight paid career that began, aged 17, in September 2010.

“Ramirez is a young, hungry Mexican who comes from a very good stable, the same gym as my former opponent Fernando Montiel,” he added.

“I believe he’s coached by Montiel’s brother and dad so they’ll know me well.

“He’s an undefeated southpaw and highly ranked by the IBF. From clips I’ve seen, Eduardo’s a similar height as myself, if not taller, so I’ll not enjoy the advantages I usually have.

“He can force a fight or go ON THE back foot. It’s going to make for a very good fight.

“As always, I’ll be fully prepared for whatever Ramirez brings.

“He’s a Mexican and they usually like to force the pace. He knows he’s unlikely to win the title by out-boxing me over here.

“One of my biggest attributes is that I can adapt on the night. Nothing he brings can surprise me.

“My record shows I can always make the adjustments needed to win.

“I always prepare 100 per cent and I’m confident that my class will prevail.”

Selby’s St Joes stablemate Craig Evans, the WBO European lightweight champion, is also on the bill in an eight-round international contest.