By Ryan Burton

Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona - Making his first defense of the IBF featherweight title, Lee Selby (22-1, 8KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over former three division beltholder Fernando Montiel (54-5-2, 39KOs). The scores were 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112. The scores were a bit wide with 116-112 or 115-113 seeming more appropriate.

This was Selby's first bout in the United States, his debut on Premier Boxing Champions, and his first assignment as an Al Haymon managed fighter.

Selby captured the title in May with an eight round technical decision over previously undefeated Evgeny Graodvich.

For Montiel, the defeat snapped an eight fight win streak that dates back to 2012. His last defeat was a close points loss to Victor Terrazas in November of 2011.

Montiel the seasoned veteran was taking chances in the early rounds and wasn't shy about trading shots with Selby.

Selby took a few goods shot and finally started to find his groove in the third. He was also outworking Montiel with a long jab to set up punches. Montiel would return fire but never able to hit Selby, who is much taller, right on the button.

In the sixth, Montiel started coming on and putting his punches together. He was able to land a shit that cut Selby around the right eye and swelled it up.

The action continued to heat up in the next few rounds with both fighters trading punches. Montiel was landing hard punches, but Selby was far more active and throwing a lot more shots.

Montiel was game until the end, throwing and working hard to land a big punch. He was never able to seriously hurt Selby, who continued to work at a very high pace. Montiel himself was never in serious trouble, but unable to keep up with the workrate of the champion.