By Anson Wainwright

Joel Brunker faces Lee Selby in an IBF featherweight title eliminator later today at the O2 Arena, London.

It's not the first time Brunker and Selby have met. A couple of years ago both were in training camp at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.

 

The Australian was rather coy about the experience.

 

“(He’s a) very talented boxer,” Brunker told BoxingScene.com from his training base in New York. “And good guy out of the ring.”

 

Brunker (27-0, 15 knockouts) has been inactive for 14-months since outpointing fringe contender Mike Oliver last August. However, he’s put the break to good use.

 

“I had a little time off, then I was straight back into training,” said the 28-year old. “I’ve been training hard, watching a lot of tapes and used the time to really focus on areas of possible improvement.

 

“I had a few little niggles that are all good now and physically I’m in the best shape I can ever remember.”

 

Along with Selby-Brunker, the Matchroom promoted event will see Anthony Joshua take another important step in his development when he meets the usually durable Denis Bakhtov for the vacant WBC International heavyweight title. John Ryder will face Theophilus Tetteh at middleweight. The Sky Sports broadcast will begin at 8.30p.m.

 

Anson Wainwright - What are your thoughts on fighting Selby?

 

Joel Brunker - Biggest fight of my career and it’s a simple as that. At 27-0 I’ve been working towards this fight for years, I’m ready for the challenge and ready for October 11th. This fight leads to the next and a world title opportunity. I’ve trained in New York, on a 4 week camp ahead of the shortened flight to London. I’ve had a great preparation with the best sparring and we’ve done everything great for this fight.

BoxingScene.com - When you look at Selby what do you see in terms of strengths and weaknesses?

 

JB - I’ve sparred Selby previously and he’s a very talented boxer, not to mention a great guy out of the ring. He’s long, rangy and very tall. His record suggests he can both box and punch, so I’m looking forward to what will be a great fight.

BoxingScene.com - The fight takes place in London, is that a concern for you?

 

JB - Not at all. I live in the very outer west of Sydney, we have to travel to get to everywhere. Travelling to London is no problem to me. I’ve travelled interstate to fight on many occasions and the US twice. Travelling interstate can be anything up to a 12 hour road/plane trip for us, so I’m really not at all concerned. Once the bell rings, it’s just another opponent, doesn’t matter who or where, I just get the job done.

BoxingScene.com - The fight will be an IBF featherweight title eliminator, that is obviously a big deal?

 

JB - Massive deal for both me and my team. We’ve been working towards this opportunity for years, Lee Selby is just the next step to a world title.

BoxingScene.com - By fight time it will be 14-months since you're last fight, why have you been inactive for so long?

 

JB - I fought on the Geale-Barker undercard in the US in August 2013, that was my last fight. Shortly after that I had a change of management and whilst world ranked by all four bodies, there wasn’t much on the horizon. Adam Wilcock my manager and his team then had to try and manoeuvre me and find the best opportunity available, there were a few fights very close to a deal early in the year but this was the best opportunity and world level fight to stick.

BoxingScene.com - If we go back you're from Richmond, New South Wales, tell us a little about your youth growing up there and your path into boxing?

JB - Like many others I think that boxing found me rather than me finding boxing. From the first day I started training with John Barber we hit it off and we’ve been together ever since. We have a great connection and I wouldn’t be where I was today if it wasn’t for John, his loyalty and the many hard hours of work he does with me.

BoxingScene.com - What are your thoughts on the featherweight division?

JB - The featherweight division is in a really interesting place at the moment. Donaire would have to be the king of the division. But from him down there’s really a number of really solid boxers, any of which could really beat each other. (Nicholas) Walters, (Evgeny) Gradovich, (Abner) Mares, (Jesus) Cuellar, (Jhonny) Gonzalez, (Simpiwe) Vetyeka. All could beat each other on their day.

BoxingScene.com - Tell us about yourself, what are your hobbies, interests etc.

JB - I’m blessed to have some great friends and a very loyal and supportive family. They entertain me in every minute that I’m not boxing.

BoxingScene.com - In closing do you have a message for Selby ahead of your fight?

JB - Don’t come prepared for anything less than a 12 round war…see you soon mate!

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him at www.twitter.com/AnsonWainwright