NEWPORT featherweight Lee Selby is taking to the great outdoors in the build up to his British title eliminator next week.
The 24-year-old regularly trains with Tony Borg at the city’s St Josephs gym but the pair took to the streets last week.
Welsh champion Selby took part in a fitness session at the Pill Harriers RFC ground, in the shadow of the Pill Millennium Centre – where he takes on Scottish champion Kris Hughes on Saturday, July 30.
“It’s a bit of a change and it’s good to get out of the gym every now and again,” said Selby in a rare break in the weather during this miserable British summer.
“It gives the hands a rest, brings down the weight and gives you a chance to enjoy the weather.
“I’ve also been running in Barry where I live, doing 10-mile runs,” he added.
Selby’s trainer Borg said: “It’s a change of environment and that’s good for everyone. It gives us a bit of fresh air and we do the same sort of circuits we would do in the gym. We’re stuck indoors six or seven days a week and it’s good to get out when the weather’s good.
“I never did anything like this when I was fighting but I’ve travelled all over the world in the past few years picking up different ideas from everywhere and anything that can help the fighters is worth a try.”
Selby is confident of success against tricky left-hander Hughes and believes he’s ready for a crack at the British belt.
“I’ve been sparring a lot with the boys in the gym and I’ve sparred probably 30 rounds with southpaws,” he said.
“I’m close to my chance, close to my shot and I can’t wait, that’s what I’ve been training for.
“I get nervous for every fight and when you’re fighting in front of your home crowd there is pressure there but it doesn’t make a difference to me. It’s only a small show but it should be a good atmosphere and be intimidating for my opponent.”
l The show starts at 8pm and tickets are available from 01179496699.
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