By Terence Dooley

Lee Selby took part in a public workout in his hometown of Barry, Wales earlier today ahead of next Saturday’s IBF featherweight title showdown against Evgeny Gradovich, 19-0-1 (9), which takes place at London’s O2 venue and will be televised live on Sky Sports Box Office here in the U.K.

Selby, 20-1-1 (8), told Sky Sports News that his preparation for couldn’t have gone any better after making two trips to the U.S. for quality sparring.  He said: “I’ve been out to America twice.

“I was in LA, flew back home then went out to Vegas (for Floyd Mayweather’s showdown with Manny Pacquiao).  He’s the best in the business, (watching him train) gives you that confidence and something to aim for that I can achieve in the future.  He’s watched me spar on one occasion so it’s great to be in that type of company.”

The 28-year-old has been dubbed the “Welsh Mayweather”, a big tag to carry, but he doesn’t feel burdened by the confidence that his fans and the British press have shown in him since he burst to prominence by stopping Stephen Smith by eight-round TKO in 2011 to win the British and Commonwealth titles.

“It’s a great compliment, but I wouldn’t like to tell Floyd that, he might be insulted, but if you’re going to have a tag in boxing that’s a great one to have,” he said.

“If I box to the best of my ability I’ll be world champion next week.  It will mean the world to Barry—hopefully I can be an inspiration to the kids coming up.”

2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua, 12-0 (12), meets Kevin “Kingpin”, 29-6-1 (14), Johnson on the Eddie Hearn-promoted card.  The decision to take on the safety-first American has led to some criticism over his opponents thus far.  Joshua, though, believes he is treading a path taken by many heavyweights and argued that genuine boxing fans understand why the 25-year-old contender is taking on Johnson at this point in his development.

“When I speak to people who really understand my career they understand that a time will come when I will fight the best in the world—it’s part of the aim,” he said when speaking to Sky Sports.  “My ultimate goal is to head towards world title winners, but I’ve got to keep my eyes on the prize at the present time.”

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