By Shaun Brown
A deal could be reached this week for Kell Brook's next world title defence.
The 35-fight unbeaten IBF World welterweight champion will face his mandatory challenger, Canada's Kevin Bizier (25-2, 17 KOs), early next year. A win for Brook could lead to a summer super-fight against fellow Brit and long time rival Amir Khan.
The period of negotiations for the Brook-Bizier fight ends this Thursday, the IBF will then call for purse bids however the champion's promoter Eddie Hearn hopes to have something sorted with Bizier's promoter Yvon Michel this week.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Hearn said: "I'm talking to Yvon Michel who was keen to bring the fight to Canada or America but we're yet to receive a formal offer. I can bring the fight to Sheffield on February 20 but either way I hope to finalise a deal with Yvon this week."
He added: "I've spoken to Amir Khan's team and sent them all the financials for a Wembley super-fight. We're looking to meet up early January. But as ordered by the IBF we have to get Bizier out the way before any super fight in the early summer."
Brook has been out of action since May 30 when he comprehensively defeated stable-mate Frankie Gavin in the second defence of his world title. The Sheffield start had been due to face Diego Chaves on October 24 but had to withdraw from the contest after picking up a rib injury in sparring.
Khan too has not fought since May when he outpointed Chris Algieri over 12 hard fought rounds in a defence of his WBC Silver Welterweight belt.
Shaun Brown is Boxing Scene's UK News Editor. Follow him on Twitter @sbrown2pt0. Contact him at sbrownboxing@gmail.com
