A six round points win over Sid Razak heralded the start of Lee Selby's professional boxing career, at Newport Leisure Centre. A further 6 round points win that year (2008) over Peter Buckley was followed by two more points wins, in 2009, before a first loss to Samir Mouneimne on points over four rounds.

Putting the loss very firmly behind him Selby went on to win the Welsh title, in 2010, followed by the British & Commonwealth titles, in 2011, with an eighth round stoppage of Liverpool's Stephen Smith. After successfully defending his British & Commonwealth titles over the next two years, next up was the vacant European Featherweight title. Leicester's, Rendall Munroe - a former European super-bantamweight champion and points loser in his challenge for the World super-bantamweight title - stood in Selby's way.

Going into the bout with a 17-1 record Selby proved his class by seizing the title with a sixth round stoppage. BoxRec reported the fight as follows:

Frequent combinations and superior movement by Selby, moved him a step closer to a world title shot by exposing Monroe. Selby boxed patiently, finally throwing a non-stop volley of punches with Monroe trapped in a neutral corner, broken down, covering, and completely defenceless. Selby then beckoned referee Ian John-Lewis to step in and stop the bout as he continued to administer Munroe a huge beating. Munroe did not appear to be hurt at the time the lopsided featherweight bout was finally stopped, but the bout's outcome was never in doubt.