Lee Selby (R) catches Ryan Walsh with a right hand during their Oct. 5, 2013, fight in London. Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images.

Welsh featherweight star Lee Selby will challenge for his first world title when he faces IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich in London on April 25, confirmed the governing body’s publicist, Jeanette Salazar.

Due to Selby’s mandatory status, the bout had been officially ordered but both parties avoided purse bids and were able to agree on a date and location. The bout features two hot young stars at the peak of their careers and promises to be eagerly anticipated.

Gradovich, THE RING No. 5 at 126 pounds, won the title from Billy Dib in March 2013. The Russia-born California resident has defended on four occasions but only managed a split-decision draw, in November, against the unbeaten Jayson Velez.

Selby, rated No. 8 by THE RING, has been in brilliant form since he won the British and Commonwealth titles from countryman Stephen Smith in 2011. Since that time he has annexed the European crown and battled his way onto the world scene with a string of eye-catching victories.

Gradovich is 19-0-1 (9 knockouts) and Selby is 20-1 (8 KOs).