The Welshman was given hell by three-weight world champion Fernando Montiel on his American debut.
But he survived some scares to take a unanimous points win and retain the IBF strap.
The win was certainly not as easy as the 119-109, 118-110, 116-112 scorecards suggested as the Welshman had one of the toughest nights of his career.
Selby said: “My jab, reach and speed were my biggest advantages.
“That was how I got the win.
“I was honestly disappointed in my performance.
 
I got the win and it was a great feeling to get my first one on US soil, but the fans didn't see me at my best, and a big part of that was Montiel's experience. He's a great fighter.”
Selby’s height and reach advantages were huge over the former world champion.
Mexican Montiel had moved up through the weights and initially looked too small for featherweight.
It looked like it would be an easy night for the Welshman, who started the fight in positive fashion.
Selby looked like he could go through the gears in the opening two rounds, but Montiel was not going to be out-boxed.
The pint-sized puncher started to show his ring knowledge as he was able to get through Selby’s reach and land some telling shots.

Montiel rallied though and continued to bully Selby heading into the final round of what turned out to be a much harder night than expected for the defending champion.
The 60-fight veteran has only been stopped once in his career and despite moving up in weight, he did not give Selby an easy night.
Montiel finished the fight strongly and some blistering combinations may not have been powerful but they landed.
It made for a nervy wait while the judges’ scorecards were read out, but the British fighter got the nod.
There were a few boos inside the Gila River Arena in Pheonix about the cards, which were surprisingly wide.
Selby may not have got to show his best as he had planned on his US debut, but he will have gained a lot of experience in handing veteran Montiel his fourth defeat.

German Defender Hints He Would Be Open to Joining Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

 

 

Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes has hinted he could be interested in joining fellow countryman Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, according to ​Bild.

Howedes has spent his entire career with the German outfit but has been linked with a move to the Premier League on a number of occasions - with Arsenal recently considered a prime candidate to sign him.

However, the 27-year-old confirmed he turned down offers from the Gunners and AC Milan in the summer in favour of staying put.
According to ​Sky Sports, he had said: "Arsenal and AC Milan were really keen on my services. But I have decided in favour of Schalke."

However, in a recent interview with Bild he confirmed that he would consider a move away from his homeland now if the chance came his way, naming England as a potential destination.

Howedes says Liverpool and English football are now privileged to have a man like Klopp in their league, and while he stopped short of confirming that he would definitely like to move to Liverpool, the player spoke highly of the club's history. He did however stress that there are no ongoing talks or potential deals on the table.




“English football is very fortunate to have someone like Klopp in the league, Liverpool is a club with great tradition and values.”

Klopp was appointed Liverpool's manager last week, while he has been preparing his team throughout the last few days ahead of his first Premier League match in charge of the Merseysiders.

Liverpool face Tottenham at White Hart Lane in Saturday's early kick off, however they will now be without Joe Gomez and Danny Ings, who could each miss the rest of the season.