WORLD champion Lee Selby has vowed to deliver a “devastating and clinical” display when he goes toe-to-toe with title challenger Eric Hunter tonight.

St Joseph’s Selby fights for the fourth time at London’s O2 Arena as he bids to keep hold of the IBF featherweight crown he won there last May.

Selby insists he is ready for whatever Philadelphia’s Hunter brings to the table, and he wouldn’t say no to a “tear-up” if the contest turns into one.

“I will put on a devastating and clinical performance,” he said. “I am going to take the fight to him.

“You are going to see spiteful punches and hurtful shots, so Hunter better be ready.

“I will show why I am the IBF world champion and show people what I can do.

“If he wants to stand and fight, we can fight. If he wants to box, we’ll box.

“I haven’t needed to show how tough I am yet and that I can grit it out, because I’ve out-boxed everyone I’ve faced.

“However he wants it, I don’t mind. If you see me sparring every day in the gym, I just want to have a tear-up.

“You don’t win fights like that, or at least I’m instructed not to. I’m told to box all the time but when it comes down to it, I’d love to have a tear-up.”

And while the Tony Borg-trained star is promising fireworks when he and Hunter take to the ring, the American is just as confident of taking the belt back home with him.

“I’m excited about fighting in front of all these people,” he said. “It gives me the chance to show off my skills. They are going to see a new IBF champion.

“I don’t need to win a war of words, I’m going to show what I can do on the night.

“I love the London fans, I’m looking forward to coming over there and showing them what I can do.”

Commenting on the champion, Hunter added: “Selby is a runner, we know he’s a runner, he boxes and runs away. He hasn’t really fought anyone yet.

“Not to be smart or cocky, but I’d never seen him fight. I never heard of him until the Gradovich fight.

“And with that fight, I think Gradovich was winning but Selby got the hometown decision.

“I can adjust. I can fight. I can box. I got better footwork. I can bang. I can do a few things that he probably can’t.”

Two of Hunter’s three career defeats have come through disqualifications, while he is currently on a four-fight winning streak.