“THE world isn’t very pretty from down there” was Lee Selby’s response after being knocked down for the first time in his career at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.

Selby did retain his IBF world featherweight title against American Eric Hunter, but the Welshman’s second defence of the belt didn’t come without a major scare.

All seemed to be going to plan for the champion when a clean left hook from Hunter floored the St Joseph’s fighter in round two.

It was Selby’s pride that was hurt more than anything, understandable considering the position he was in had been alien to him until that point.

But, using his experience, he saw off any threat of an early stoppage and went on to claim a unanimous points decision (115-111, 116-110, 116-110).

Analysing the knockdown, Selby, who wasn't at his best during the clash, said: “It’s the first time I’ve been on the floor and hopefully the last.

“I think it was a bit of a flash knockdown. I got caught early and I didn’t see the shot coming, it was my own fault. But it was a new experience, I got off the floor to win a fight.

“I wasn’t hurt one bit, it was embarrassing more than anything. I just got caught with a shot, that’s boxing.”

He went on to add: “Obviously, being a fighter, you’ve got a lot of pride and I’ve never been on the floor before – it was a bit of a shock.

“I think they knew I wasn’t hurt when I went back to the corner, and they’ve seen me take big shots in the gym, so they know I’m a tough guy.

“Even though I don’t box like a tough guy, I box with skill, they know I can take a punch.

“I don’t think they even mentioned the knockdown when I went back to the corner.

“They were telling me to take the sting out of him more, just get behind the jab, win the rounds, and round by round he started to slow.

“In the end you could see his hooks coming a mile away.”

Selby’s cause was also helped by the fact that Hunter had a point deducted in the seventh round for persistently punching below the belt.

The American, whose two previous defeats had come via disqualifications, came very close to suffering the same fate as referee Marcus McDonnell issued a final warning to him and his corner in round nine.

In terms of what lies ahead for Selby, unbeaten duo Carl Frampton and Josh Warrington are two of the names being touted as potential next opponents, although where and when is another matter.

“Obviously, being a Welshman, it would be nice to fight back in Cardiff,” said Selby.

“Sadly, there’s not a suitable venue. You’ve got the Motorpoint, which is 4,500, and the next step up is the Millennium Stadium, and that’s too big.

“I’d love to fight back home in Cardiff because here (at the O2) I was only given a handful of tickets and not a lot of my fans were able to come and see me.

“There’s nothing better than fighting in Wales. When I did box at the Motorpoint I sold it out and it was one of the best feelings ever walking out to the ring.

“I want to be in the big fights, that’s what I’m in the game for.

“I’ve won the world title, now I want to fight the big names and establish myself.”

Selby’s victory on Saturday was his fourth in as many fights at the O2 and took his record as a pro to 23 wins and one defeat in 24 outings.