Brook: Khan Looked Amateurish, I Want To Be Sensational

by David P. Greisman

British welterweight contender Kell Brook is appearing for the first time in the United States this Saturday. The undefeated 25-year-old with 25 wins and 17 knockouts will be facing Luis Galarza, who is 17-2 with 13 knockouts, on the undercard to Andre Ward vs. Carl Froch.

Shortly after stepping on the scales, Brook spoke with David Greisman of BoxingScene.com and Lem Satterfield of RingTV.com.

Q: What are your thoughts about being on a card with two English guys fighting and you having your first fight in the United States?

Brook: “I’m very excited. The British fight has come out here to see me and Carl, so it’s a great atmosphere here, and I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

Q: You’ve been talking about a potential fight with Amir Khan if Khan should make the jump to welterweight. What did you think of his fight last week with Lamont Peterson? Did you think he won or lost?

Brook: “I thought with the points getting taken off him, he did lose the fight. He was amateurish, flurrying and not really placing his shots. He was like a chicken in some stages, running around. That’s possibly going to cross him. I think we’re going to fight down the line. I think later now, because he’s got a rematch. I think he’s going to stay at 140 and eventually will move up to 147.”

Q: What kind of performance do you think you need Saturday? Do you feel pressure to get a knockout or do you just want to get a win under your belt?

Brook: “I want to look sensational. I want to knock someone out. I want the American public to see what I’m all about. I’m looking to shine and put on a performance for the public. I want to steal the show. I don’t want to be second best. I want to entertain.”

Q: What comes next after that?

Brook: “I want to have a big profile fight in the middle of next year. We’re going to definitely fight for a world title in 2012. I leave it to my team to make the big fights. When they want the fighters up, I just knock them down.”

Q: Which title do you want?

Brook: “Whatever’s available.”

Q: What do you think you need to do to get one of these big fights?

Brook: “I think I need a big-profile fight, a Paul Malignaggi fight, a big name like that. I don’t mind traveling. I want a big-profile fight, and then I’m ready, I’m on the stage for big fights.”

Q: But how do you make sure you get the fight rather than someone else?

Brook: “I just leave it to my team. I just train for whoever’s in front of me, and that’s it.”

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter at twitter.com/fightingwords2 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fightingwordsboxing, or send questions and comments to fightingwords1@gmail.com