By Ben Jacobs

Quietly going about his business in his home nation, Fernando Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs) has bounced back well from defeats to Nonito Donaire and Victor Terrazas. The three weight world champion has won eight in a row since a decision loss to Terrazas, three of which have come by knockout. Now with a chance to win a world title in a fourth weight division, on October 14, the Mexican is as determined as ever, although he knows he faces a tough task against Welshman Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs).

"I'm training well and I'm not going to let this opportunity go to waste," he told BoxingScene.com.

"What I know is that Lee Selby is a champion who throws a lot of punches, he has good height and has good ring generalship. He's a good champion, I don't know a bad champion in truth.

"I've been aware of him, it's my job to be aware of fighters in my division. I'm studying him well - he is a difficult fighter."

Montiel will arguably be the best fighter that Selby will have fought in his career thus far, or at the very least the most important name. The 36-year-old believes that Selby needs good names on his record, particularly in the first defence of his belt.

"He's looking for big names, I respect him as he's the champion but I have the belief that I'm going to be world champion again."

Critics will argue that Montiel has age counting against him and that his best days are behind him, but having only been stopped once in a 60 fight career, Fernando assured that he is in top form thanks to his lifestyle and training.

"There are big names, older than me that have won world titles. I haven't been badly beaten up even though I'm 36 and have had lots of fights. I'm relaxed about it. When Bernard Hopkins fought Kelly Pavlik he was over 40 years old and Pavlik was under 30 and at his peak."

Selby will likely look the larger man in the ring and is considered big for the weight class yet Montiel explained that he is now well accustomed to the 126lb category.

"It's true I come from the lower weight classes but I've worked very hard in the gym, I have had quite a few fights now at featherweight and I feel very comfortable. I work with a strength and conditioning coach, but I hardly do any weight lifting."