Brook Has October Backup if Brandon Rios Falls Out

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By Edward Chaykovsky

IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook (34-0, 25KOs) has already started training camp for a potential headline title defense at London’s O2 Arena against former beltholder Brandon Rios - if the two sides are able to reach an agreement.

Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport is still working out the details with Top Rank, who have Rios. The two sides are close and Brook is training with September 12th in mind, but anything can happen in boxing and always does.

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If the negotiations fall apart, Hearn reveals that Brook could very well return against a different opponent on a date in October.

“We’re in discussion with Top Rank,” Hearn told boxingnewsonline.net. “It’s not done yet. If that is done, then that will be the headline bout at the O2 on September 12. If not Kell might fight in October instead but he’s in training now with that date in mind.”