ST JOSEPH’S talisman Lee Selby says he cannot wait to see the back of Jonathan Barros.

Selby, mourning the loss of mum Frankie who died on Tuesday, defends his IBF world featherweight crown tonight against the experienced Argentinean.

The duo meet at Wembley Arena six months after they were supposed to clash in Las Vegas.

Barros failed to meet licensing requirements on that occasion and the contest was called off as Selby was preparing to weigh in.

Both Selby and his rival made weight yesterday just over 24 hours before Barros challenges the champion.

For the Welshman, who has decided to go through with the bout despite his mother’s death, it is all about winning and securing “big fights” in the future.

“If I’d have won in style in Las Vegas, me and Carl (Frampton) would be getting it on right now,” he said.

“If we both come through our next fights with wins I’m sure we could get it on.

“I’m fighting Barros who isn’t that high profile in the UK. Without the right opponent I can’t see me headlining those shows.

“Getting Barros out the way frees me up for the big fights.

“It’s been a long time coming, but I’m looking forward to putting on a show and seeing the back of Jonathan Barros.”

Speaking about the disappointment of missing out on a Las Vegas title defence, he added: “As you can imagine, it was very frustrating for me.

“That was my big stage, my time to shine. Defending a world title in Las Vegas, that’s what every fighter dreams of.”

On the postponement earlier this year, former world champion Barros said: “It’s something I didn’t expect, the same as he didn’t expect it, and it was very hard for me.

“I thank everybody concerned for the opportunity and I just look forward now.”