Kell Brook doesn’t foresee any issues in returning to the welterweight division for a dream fight.
The former titlist from Sheffield, England has not fought at the weight since his title reign came to a close in an 11th round stoppage in his hometown at the hands of Errol Spence in May 2017. Three wins have followed, all in the junior middleweight division including a seven-round thrashing of Mark ‘Bazooka’ DeLuca this past February in Sheffield where he’s appeared for each of his last four starts.
The current stretch is enough for the 33-year old to land as a frontrunner to next face unbeaten three-division and reigning welterweight titlist Terence Crawford (36-0, 27KOs). Such a fight isn’t the first option for the undefeated pound-for-pound entrant, but one on which he will settle should he fail to lure one of his more desirable targets.
That’s good enough on the other end.
“The signals we’re getting from Crawford’s team and Bob Arum, [the fight is] there to be made,” Brook (39-2, 27KOs) insisted to promoter Eddie Hearn during a recent Instagram Live interview. “It’s a huge, huge fight.”
Interestingly, the fight—should it materialize—would come in lieu of previously intended plans by Matchroom Boxing to match its longtime client at the title level at junior middleweight or a domestic showdown with Liverpool’s Liam Smith. Such fights remain in play for Brook, but not quite his first choice. He may be past his peak but remains a relevant name in the sport and a massive domestic draw. Another trip to the United States—where a Crawford fight would presumably take place—would also be welcome. Brook is 2-0 on this side of the pond, including the biggest win of his career, a 12-round nod over then unbeaten Shawn Porter in August 2014 to begin a welterweight title reign that lasted nearly three years.
“Crawford is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters out there. I’ve said before I leave this game I want to face the best fighters out there.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox