By Terence Dooley

With rumours circulating that Amir Khan and Kell Brook could finally meet in the ring this winter, Sheffield-based promoter Dennis Hobson has used his column in The Sheffield Star to urge Brook to skip a warm-up fight and go straight for his Bolton-born rival if the chance presents itself.

Sheffield's Brook made a winning return to the ring this year when beating Siarhei Rabchanka by second-round KO in his first fight since losing his IBF welterweight title to Errol Spence Jr. at the city’s Bramall Lane venue in May of last year.

Now operating at 154lbs, Brook has made no secret of his desire to fight Khan and the bout seems more likely than ever now that both men are promoted by Eddie Hearn.  A Brook-Khan match-up has been a long-time in the making and could possibly be the fight of the year, but only if that year was 2015 when both of them were younger and in much better form.   

Indeed, Hobson believes that Brook can emulate Sugar Ray Leonard if the fights comes off, writing:

"Well, Sugar Ray Leonard fought Marvin Hagler after years out of the ring.  Kell just wants to be in big fights.  I'd bypass warm ups; I would just get involved in big fights because that's what he wants.  He wants to leave a legacy and be financially secure.  And can he get motivated for some of these warm ups, especially when he's been at the top level?  I'd get him into major fights and let him prepare for them."

Hobson also told David Allen that there is always a spot on his shows for him should the Yorkshireman fancy a homecoming following his fourth-round win over Nick Webb last month.

"Dave was with me when he turned pro, and I've got a soft spot for him," admitted Hobson.

"I don't like it when he's not in shape and taking shots.  I'm so pleased he got that result because he does have ability and he's charismatic.  Hopefully he can apply himself a bit more and win a major title.  Maybe this win will be the career-changing fight for him.  He does take too many shots though and sometimes that's because of his conditioning.  I wish him well.  He's like a celebrity boxer with all his support and he can guest star on one of our shows if ever he wants to.  I like him a lot."

Allen, though, has vowed to keep in shape and kick on with his career so may have the opportunity to squeeze in a few more stadium and PPV outings before taking Hobson up on his offer.  The win over Webb has rejuvenated his form guide and Hearn will want to draw on his popularity amongst fans once again.

Please send news and views to @Terryboxing.