LEE Selby kept alive his hopes of becoming a two-weight world champion while possibly ending the career of Ricky Burns with victory over the Scotsman on points at London’s O2 tonight.

Defeat for the Welshman could have led to him hanging up his gloves, but the judges scored the contest 115-115, 116-112, 116-113 in favour of the 32-year-old St Joseph’s ace.

Selby (28-2) is now expecting an IBF world lightweight title eliminator, with a win setting him up for a shot at the big prize once again.

Burns, 36, a former three-weight world champion, hadn’t fought for a year, however, he didn’t show any signs of ring-rust in the opening rounds.

Selby’s fast footwork and quick hands began to give Burns problems, before a punch thrown by the Scot after the bell at the end of fifth sparked a furious reaction from his rival’s corner.

Both men dug in during the latter rounds, Selby landing big right hands in the eighth and 11th rounds as he did enough to get the decision.