By Terence Dooley
The IBF have confirmed that Sheffield's Kell Brook, 34-0 (23), is free to make a voluntary defence of his welterweight title following last month’s mandatory victory over Jo Jo Dan as well as outlining the timescale for an optional outing.
Speculation has raged over Brook’s next move since Frankie Gavin, 22-1 (13), was mandated to face Tim Bradley for the right to contest Brook’s title. Gavin, though, passed on the opportunity according to the IBF, prompting rumours of an all-British showdown between Gavin, who is scheduled to headline a show in his hometown on Birmingham against Chris van Heerden on May 9, and Brook.
Gavin has confirmed that he's in serious discussions to face Book on May 30th and feels a deal can be finalized soon.
Eddie Hearn has stated that "Special K", 34-0 (23), wants to keep busy following his enforced layoff due to a leg injury he picked up when he was stabbed while on holiday in the summer. Hearn, who promotes both, also told iFilm London that Gavin could be a possibility down the line.
IBF rules are clear on voluntary defences: ‘In the interim periods, the Champion may enter into any contest with any contender rated in the top fifteen (15) boxers in his weight class as set forth in the ratings of the IBF/USBA subject to the approval of the Championships Chairman and the President.’
The IBF’s Championship Chairman Lindsey Tucker underlined this when speaking to BoxingScene earlier today: “Kell Brook just did his mandatory [Dan Ion]. Brook is in an optional period now and can fight anyone in the top 15 within the next seven months,” he said.
With Gavin currently sitting pretty at number five in the current ratings, he fits the remit of an optional defence so is in the running for a fight with Brook should the Sheffield-based boxer opt for a quick fire defence of the belt he won by out-pointing Shawn Porter in August.
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