FORMER world champion Barry McGuigan does not feel it is too early for St Joseph’s star Andrew Selby to be challenging for a major title.

Selby, 27, has only had four fights as a professional but is set to take on England’s Louis Norman for the vacant British flyweight crown in Cardiff next month.

The bout, which is subject to approval by the British Boxing Board of Control, forms part of a bumper bill at the new Ice Arena Wales on May 14.

Selby has made a flawless transition from the amateur ranks and impressed greatly in winning all of his pro contests to date.

And McGuigan sees no reason why Tony Borg-trained Selby cannot compete for belts now, even if he has only fought as a professional since last October.

When asked if it was too soon for the Barry boxer to challenge for top honours, he said: “Not if you’re that talented.

“My attitude is that it takes you time to adjust from going three rounds to going 12 rounds.

“That normally takes a year to 18 months for a normal fighter, but these aren’t normal fighters, this kid has been an elite fighter for seven years.

“They’ve been training all their lives, they’re professional athletes, so all you’ve got to do is adjust your rounds in sparring, that’s all.

“And with the ability and the advanced ability that they have that happens much quicker.

“He’s been sparring with his brother and really good kids in the gym doing seven, eight, nine and 10 rounds, so that adjustment is expedited.”

Norman, 22, is a former English champion and has 13 fights under his belt, with 11 victories, one defeat and one draw.

Commenting further on Selby’s ability, McGuigan added: “Andrew is an unbelievable talent.

“He’s a world silver medallist, two times a European gold medallist, he’s a special talent, there’s no doubt about it.

“I thought it would be a record fight for the British title but I then remembered Charlie Magri fought for it in his third fight.

“I think Selby is a very talented guy but I’ve got to be balanced.

“Louis Norman went 10 rounds with Charlie Edwards, so he’s not here to fall over, he really fancies his chances.”

McGuigan’s Cyclone Promotions is staging the show in association with Sanigar Events, and top of the bill is a first IBF world bantamweight title defence for Lee Haskins against Mexico’s Ivan Morales.

The event is due to be shown live on Channel 5.