Selby vs Gradovich was one heck of a tough fight on paper, and certainly lived up to the hype after the first bell. Featuring on the Brook vs Gavin card, this was an action-packed support act instantly welcomed by fight fans at the O2 Arena, London. 28-year-old Selby (21-1, 8 KO) demonstrated great composure and a highly-impressive array of punches against pressure-prince Evgeny Gradovich (19-1-1, 9 KO).
Britain’s Selby won an 8th round Technical Decision to capture the IBF Featherweight title, the bout being stopped after Gradovich suffered a second accidental injury. The cut, caused by a headbutt, was of course unfortunate. But it will unlikely mar this entertaining contest given the wide lead Selby had on the scorecards.
At the time of the stoppage, official scores read 79-73 (twice) and 80-72, all for Selby. BoxingBase.com had it 79-73 for the Welsh Dragon also.
Gradovich, 28, was always in this fight and never took a step back, it has to be said. He deserves a lot of credit for his balls-to-the-wall performance here. But it was Selby’s effortless-looking arsenal on the back foot that caught fire with the judges. Highly confident and skilled, Selby was able to pick off his opponent with jabs, counters, and whipping combinations.
After this performance, Selby’s ‘Welsh Mayweather’ alias doesn’t actually seem too bold. He will now be considered a threat in the Featherweight top-10 world rankings.
But it also can’t be stressed enough how tough this division is right now. There are seriously slick and dangerous fighters to be found at 126-pounds. Nicholas Walters, Gary Russell Jr, Vasyl Lomachenko, Jhonny Gonzalez and Abner Mares are not soft touches. Absolute focus would be required of Selby should his path meet with any one of them.
Also featuring on the Brook vs Gavin bill was John Ryder vs Nick Blackwell, Kevin Mitchell vs Jorge Linares, and Anthony Joshua vs Kevin Johnson. See all boxing results.
Selby vs Gradovich: Round by Round
Result: Selby becomes new IBF Featherweight Champion via 8th round Technical Decision – 79-73 (twice), 80-72
BoxingBase.com Scorecard: 79-73
Round 8
Doctor stops fight after inspecting second cut suffered by Gradovich – due to another accidental head clash. Goes to scorecards. Selby, 10-9 (79-73)
Round 7
Big round for Selby, teeing off on Gradovich. Gradovich suffers accidental head butt over right eye. Selby, 10-9 (69-64)
Round 6
Gradovich rocked by Selby, but recovered well. True hard case is Gradovich. Selby dominated and is looking the real deal in this championship bout. Selby, 10-9 (59-55)
Round 5
The bull is starting to find the matador – Gradovich not showing any signs of slowing. Selby beginning to feel the pressure, but edged the round. Selby, 10-9 (49-46)
Round 4
Close round, but Gradovich just about nicks it. Selby is perhaps taking a breather for first time. Gradovich, 10-9 (39-37)
Round 3
Better stuff from Gradovich, but it’s Selby who is playing boss here. Smart feet, smart hands. Selby, 10-9 (30-27)
Round 2
Gradovich has his moments, but big round for Selby – nice clean work from a real stylist. Selby, 10-9 (20-18)
Round 1
Selby on back foot, working hard with a splendid variety of punches. Nice outside boxing from the Welshman. Selby, 10-9
Let us know your thoughts on Selby vs Gradovich and who this Welsh Dragon should engage with in his next outing. Get discussing in the comments!
The BoxingBase.com writing staff provide worldwide boxing news, coverage and analysis – they can be contacted via email and social media.
