LEE Selby has admitted he needs a “breakout fight on a world level” to “show everyone I’m a true champion” – and the Welshman has three stars of the featherweight division in his sights.

Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares, the WBA’s super and regular champions respectively, and Northern Ireland’s Carl Frampton are the men IBF king Selby is desperate to face.

His preferred choice would be Frampton, who lost to Santa Cruz in January having beaten the Mexican six months earlier.

Given that the WBA this week ordered Santa Cruz to take on Mares in a rematch of their August 2015 clash, which was won by the former, St Joseph’s star Selby could get his wish.

On top of that, the 30-year-old from Barry is yearning for a career-defining fight, just like Joe Calzaghe’s epic victory over American Jeff Lacy 11 years ago.

“My team is in talks with a few different fighters,” said Selby. “Abner Mares, Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton – I want to fight one of them next.

“They are the biggest names in the division. I want to be the biggest name so I’ve got to beat those guys.”

When asked which one he would prefer, he added: “Probably Frampton.

“He’s over in the UK, he’s high profile, and some say he’s the best featherweight in the country, but I believe I am, so I want to show him I’m the best.

“And that would stand me in good stead for the other fights against the likes of Santa Cruz and Mares.

“I want the next one to be big, so any of the above I want to be my next fight, and I think I’m more than ready.

“I don’t care where it is. As long as they (Selby’s management) can get the big fights for me, I believe I can beat anybody.

“I need that breakout fight on a world level to show everybody I’m a true champion and the number one to beat.”

Selby, managed by Chris and Jamie Sanigar, has American Al Haymon as his advisor, and he believes that not being tied to a promoter now can only be good for his future.

“I’m free from any promotional contracts so I can fight on any network,” said Selby.

“I’m not tied to one network which means I can fight on Sky Sports, BoxNation or ITV over here, or any network in America.”

Meanwhile, news is expec-ted soon on the next outing for Blackwood’s WBO European lightweight champion Craig Evans.

Selby’s St Joes stablemate took the title off Thomas Stalker in Cardiff last November after the two previous meetings between the boxers had ended in draws.

It is understood Evans will defend his crown on either May 20 in London or May 27 in Belfast.

* Lee Selby was speaking at a fundraiser for St David’s Hospice Care at Rodney Parade hosted by Cymru Associates with Clarity Copiers Glamorgan.