By Rick Reeno
A domestic rivaly is slowly building between Amir Khan (26-1, 18KOs) and Kell Brook (25-0, 17KOs). During the last few months, Brook's promoter, Matchroom Sport, which is run by the father/son duo of Barry and Eddie Hearn, have openly discussed their desire to match their boxer against Khan in the near future. They believe Brook has the style, and the power, to deal with Khan.
Khan has a different opinion on the matter, but he won't even consider Brook as a possible opponent at welterweight - until the Nottingham boxer walks away from Matchroom and aligns himself with a different promotional team.
Khan is upset with some of the personal comments that were made earlier this year by the Hearn family, in the aftermath of Khan's technical decision win over Paul McCloskey, who Matchroom also promotes.
"I think the Hearns would never put him in the ring with me. I they're using my name so people start talking about Kell Brook. He's never beaten anyone in the top ten and he's been looked after his whole career. And also I'm at 140 and he's at 147. But when I do move up in weight, I'm not one to say no to opponents, but if he's with the same promotional team that he's got at the moment - I wouldn't fight him. Why give them the payday? But if he changes his promotional team, I would love to fight him," Khan told BoxingScene.com.
Khan defends his WBA/IBF junior welterweight titles against mandatory challenger Lamont Peterson on December 10th in Washington. Brook makes his American debut on December 17th, as part of the Andre Ward-Carl Froch undercard at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
