In the Alexander vs Martinez co-feature, there wasn’t another upset on the cards, but it certainly wasn’t all one-way traffic in Selby vs Montiel. Lee Selby retained his IBF Featherweight crown via Unanimous Decision, outpointing veteran Fernando Montiel via scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109 in Glendale, Arizona.
Selby now climbs to 22 wins, 8 knockouts, 1 defeat following his US debut, while Montiel falls to 54 wins, 39 knockouts, 5 defeats, 2 draws. Catch Selby vs Montiel Highlights here.
Yes, Selby clearly won the 12-rounder, but ate a number of hefty shots along the way. Selby got the job done, and would have caught the attention of his new US audience, but had to work for that win. I’m surprised by that because this was a real crossroads fight where Selby was supposed to dish out significant punishment to an aging, blown-up Bantamweight who was 4.5 inches shorter.
Selby enjoyed success at range, of course with the jab and long combinations, but was caught a little too much by Montiel. And they weren’t pitty-pat punches, either. Montiel’s vast experience allowed him to remain at close-range and let rip venomous hooks. Selby was never significantly rattled, but you have to wonder what would have happened if it was Leo Santa Cruz firing those shots in there.
I’m not trying to quash Selby’s win, but the Brit really needs to repair those holes in his defense before he faces harder, taller, rangier opposition. I’ve no doubt he was as surprised by Montiel’s tennacity and explosive speed as I and many other viewers were. I don’t think anyone was really expecting ‘that Montiel’ to turn up.
All in all, Selby vs Montiel and Alexander vs Martinez made for a tasty mid-week card before you-know-what at the weekend.
What’s your take on Selby vs Montiel? Spill your thoughts below…
