Don't get in close, go long with the jab is the advice from Selby's corner. This fight could be brutal if it goes 12 rounds.

Gary Lockett
Former WBU middleweight champion on BBC Radio Wales

"I would just like to see Selby raise his hands up to his face a bit more. I just get the feeling that Gradovich is a harder puncher than his record suggests because he's hurting Selby. But I've got Selby just nicking that round again."

"Keep it simple," says Selby's corner as replays show the challenger landed some impressive, booming shots flush to Gradovich's face in that opening round. The Russian tries to draw in Selby who is quick on his feet and living up to that 'Welsh Mayweather' nickname. Dancing round the ring, he leads with his left and clubs with his right. A fast pace early on as blood begins to show from the bottom of Selby's nose. Possibly from a clash of heads. Selby nicks it again.

Gary Lockett
Former WBU middleweight champion on BBC Radio Wales

"Both fighters making an impact. Selby's moving his feet better but Gradovich is closing the distance."

Gradovich lands a right but Selby is composed and using the jab well. Gradovich has one thing in mind - he wants to scrap, but I reckon the challenger has nicked this opening round. A bit of a masterclass in many ways - but can he do that for 12 rounds?

Former cruiserweight world champion Enzo Maccarinelli tweeted: , external"Welsh Mayweather vs the Russian Mexican. Brilliant!"

Lee Selby forces the early pace, but Gradovich doesn't like to be dictated to and tries to pressurise with some body shots to the inside. The Welshman on top though.

Here we go. First round under way.

Former world champion and fellow Welshman Joe Calzaghe tweeted: , external"Come on Lee Selby."

Gradovich's team are dressed in red and black jackets which carry the slogan of a snorting bull. You know the type... the ones which usually advertise steak houses in America.

Steffan Garrero
BBC Wales Sport commentator

"Gradovich is a brawler. He likes to get his head in the chest of his opponent. It appeals to the Mexican dynamic."

The lights are down, the spotlights are trained on the ring and flashes of blue momentarily light up the O2 Arena. We're ready to see the first of three world title fights. Quick, grab a brew/beer/biscuit... it's going to be a long, but good, night.

Lee Selby arrives into the ring in white and gold. Or is it blue?! Ah, let's not go down that road., external

Now, here comes the champion wearing a sombrero. It's a good look.

So, there you have it - a fascinating clash of styles is upon us. Michael Buffer bellows "let's get this party staaaarted", and promptly introduces the Welsh challenger Lee Selby.

Gary Lockett
Former WBU middleweight champion on BBC Radio Wales

"Gradovich is a raw, rough fighter and it's a classic boxer versus fighter. What happens when a boxer takes on a fighter? The boxer usually wins. Brains usually beats brawn and I'm going for Selby's brains and twinkletoes to win tonight."

Image source, PA

Lee Selby hopes to become "the face of Welsh boxing" if he beats Evgeny Gradovich for the IBF featherweight title.

The 28-year-old from Barry is aiming to become the 12th Welshman to be crowned world champion.

"Wales needs a new champion. Since Joe Calzaghe we've had Nathan Cleverly but he sadly lost the title," said Selby. "When I win, this could be the start of something special in Wales."

Lee Selby is pacing around in the changing rooms as he prepares to enter the arena. A squirt of water over his head, a bit of help putting on his white and gold hooded jacket and we're almost set.

Gary Lockett
Former WBU middleweight champion on BBC Radio Wales

"Selby did it the quiet way for the first nine or 10 fights. He's had quite a few hand injuries along the way and people started to question him. But I never questioned him because he's got huge talent and I think he's capable of wining a world title - maybe a two weights because he's a huge featherweight."

BBC Radio Wales

You can listen to the Lee Selby fight on BBC Radio Wales. If you're not in the area, you can listen online too.

Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan believes Lee Selby's bout with Evgeny Gradovich is the fight of the night.

"All (the fights) have merit but none will better Selby's match with Gradovich for the IBF featherweight crown," he wrote in his column for the Daily Mirror., external

"Not enough has been said about Selby. He has worked his way towards this title challenge, grafted away diligently in the distance without grabbing the attention.

"On the way up he has ­travelled the world, offering himself as a sparring partner to Yuri Gamboa, Oscar Valdes and Floyd Mayweather Jnr without crowing about it."

Image source, Getty Images