Speaking as a guest on Sky Sports’ Ringside show before his last title defence against Frankie Gavin on May 30th, IBF World welterweight champion Kell Brook (35-0, 24 KO’s) said he would have no problem with stepping up and dethroning the unbeaten king of the ring Floyd Mayweather Jr. (48-0, 26 KO’s) if the opportunity arose.
Brook made short work of Gavin, bludgeoning the former world amateur champion in decisive fashion. His next opponent is yet to confirmed, but judging by the comments of all the relevant personal it appears as though Brandon Rios (33-2-1, 24 KO’s) will be travelling to the UK for a crack at Brook’s belt.
However, while that bout remains unconfirmed, we may entertain the notion of a much more intriguing match-up being arranged.
Whilst in front of Sky’s cameras Brook was asked about the possibility of fighting in September against Floyd Mayweather, whether he felt ready for the challenge immediately or would a few warm-ups be required.
“I’m ready. This is what I’ve done since being a kid. I’ve seen every style in the gym. Boxing’s boxing you know, if you’re born for it and you’re made for it, whatever the occasion is you’ll perform.”
“I’d be going in there very confident; I’m unbeaten, I’m a world champion and I’d be coming to take that zero away from him.”
Brook proved his mettle against Shawn Porter last August. He travelled thousands of miles from Sheffield, England to Carson, California to hand an unbeaten fighter his first defeat. That night his composure held firm and he executed a calculated, if much criticised, fight-plan to halt the mauling Porter in his tracks.
In Brook’s two title defences since he has developed an aura of strength and decisiveness, and is regarded alongside WBA regular champ Keith Thurman as one of the most dangerous men in the 147 lb. class.
All this is to say that Brook, with his ever improving credentials and his world title, would provide a much preferred alternative as Mayweather’s next opponent to Andre Berto and Karim Mayfield, who have been touted by the man himself as the two most likely to occupy that spot.
Brook isn’t the only one who fits that description; Thurman would be a better choice, as would Shawn Porter, Amir Khan, or Miguel Cotto in a rematch. Each would provide a more competitive outing than Mayfield or Berto, who are frankly under-qualified for a job of this magnitude.
Brook also holds an extra incentive around his waist for Mayweather to face him. His IBF belt is the only top-line title missing from Mayweather’s welterweight collection after scooping up Manny Pacquiao’s WBO version in May, which now sits alongside his WBA Super and WBC straps.
Floyd Mayweather vs Kell Brook would be a true unification bout to crown the lineal champion of the division, something that hasn’t been done since Zab Judah beat Cory Spinks in 2006.
Is this a fight that is likely to come about? Sadly, no.
Neither Brook’s Matchroom Sports promoters or Mayweather’s self-titled outfit have ever hinted that this is a viable option for the summer. In fact, apart from the names Mayweather has thrown out the rumour mill has been surprisingly quiet as to whom he will face in September, a strange thing indeed when you consider his next appearance is supposed to be his last.