The 28 year-old Russian, who has nine stoppages from 19 victories, has fought all his career outside his native country and can now add the United Kingdon to his recent destinations which include China and the United States.
Selby, also 28, has only lost once from 21 outings in the pro ranks having worked his way up the IBF ratings with some eye-catching performances, most notably in stopping talented fighters Stephen Smith and Joel Brunker in nine rounds to take both their perfect records.
The International Boxing Federation’s Jeanette Salazar explained the situation as the pair avoided a stipulated purse bid on Thursday.
“The purse bid for Evengy Gradovich v Lee Selby for the IBF featherwieight championship mandatory defense scheduled for today at the IBF office in Springfield, NJ has been cancelled. IBF Championships Chairman, Lindsey Tucker, received notice late yesterday that both parties had reached an agreement and the fight will take place in London, England on April 25,” said Salazar.
Gradovich v Selby bolters a card topped by James DeGale who will fight for the vacate IBF middleweight belt against an opponent to be confirmed.