ST JOSEPH'S star Lee Selby is taking no chances as he prepares for his eliminator for the WBC world title at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on May 17.

The Barry boxer, who trains at St Joseph's gym in Newport with Tony Borg, takes on world number 14 Romulu Koasicha for the WBC International belt that he previously won against Viorel Simion last July .

It's another step on the road for the British and European champion as he moves closer to a shot at the WBC world champion Jhonny Gonzalez.

Manager Chris Sanigar and Selby have just returned from ten days of hard training and sparring at the world famous Wild Card gym in Los Angeles run by renowned trainer Freddie Roach.

And Selby feels that his latest US trip has given him invaluable experience in his development as a professional boxer and it will no doubt be a key factor as he progresses towards a world title.

“While I was out there we visited some great gyms," he said.

"I sparred at the Wild Card, Marywood Boxing Club and the Rock Boxing Gym.

"It was perfect preparation for my next fight sparring with some sharp skilful Mexicans including undefeated prospects including Gabini Saenz, Manuel Robles Jr and experienced pro Charles Huerta.

"I always give a good account of myself and I definitely had the respect of the gym by the time we had left.”

Sanigar has been making regular trips to the USA for many years since he and Freddie Roach became close friends back in the mid 1990s.

He said: "It was great to have him on hand when Lee was sparring, he has a great knowledge of the sport and it gave Lee a huge boost having him pass on some words of wisdom.”

Tickets for the May 17 'Second Coming’ fight night, which also features Cefn Fforest ace Nathan Cleverly making his cruiserweight debut and the rematch between Selby's St Joes stablemate Gary Buckland and Newbridge's Gavinh Rees, can be purchased from Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699.