By Edward Chaykovsky
Unbeaten Olympian Errol Spence (21-0, 18 KOs) embraces the possibility of face IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) before a crowd of 30,000 fans at Bramall Lane in Sheffield.
A deal was reached earlier this week for the mandatory showdown, with Sheffield United's home ground as the frontrunner location to host the contest on May 27.
Because the purse bid was looking and Brook held a 75-25 advantage in the split, the fight was a practical lock to take place in the UK.
Spence is ready to repeat what Brook did in 2014, when the Sheffield fighter traveled to Los Angeles and won a close twelve round decision over Shawn Porter to capture the IBF welterweight crown.
"I'm old school. I don't care where I fight. I've got to do what Kell did when he came to America to beat Shawn Porter for the title and that is what I plan on doing.
"I don't think Kell's fought anyone like me before. I'm faster and hit harder than other welterweights he has faced. I believe I may have Kell's number, great champion that he is. I want everyone in the UK to make sure they come to the fight or watch it on TV because it's two fighters in their prime, so it's going to be exciting. It is going to be a war."
Brook is back for the first time since he moved up two full weight divisions and got stopped in five rounds by middleweight king Gennady Golovkin last September at the O2 Arena in London. He suffered a fractured orbital bone in the loss.
Spence is not taking much from that fight, because Golovkin is by far the naturally bigger man and imposed his size and strength to wear down Brook, who landed some very eye-catching punches during the contest.
"The truth about the GGG fight was a true 160-pounder beat a 147-pounder," Spence said. "Kell showed a lot of heart and came back a little bit before being overrun.
"I don't know if he has made a mistake coming back down to welterweight or not. That would be up to his camp. A lot of fighters walk around well above their weight. I walk around at 170lbs. I do believe Kell will bring out the best in me. So far I haven't faced anyone who can push me enough for me to show my true skills. I might be the underdog but it's understandable. He's the champ and I don't take anything from him. But I'm 100 percent focused and confident."
