IBF World welterweight champion Kell Brook (35-0, 24 KO’s) could well be headed for the first big fight of his championship reign, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.
The Matchroom Sports head had an interview with Sportsmail that was later reported on World Boxing News, in which he explained that WBO champion Tim Bradley (32-1-1, 12 KO’s) is the preferred alternative to a big domestic clash with Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KO’s).
‘Kell wants to fight Bradley.”
“I had a good meeting with Bob Arum. There are plenty of names available, but we would like to fight Bradley. Of course, we would like to fight Amir Khan, but outside of that fight, this is the best one for us. Style-wise it would be an absolute belter.”
Brook has looked thoroughly dominant for the majority of his career, but Bradley would represent a higher standard of opposition than he is used to.
Since beating Shawn Porter for the title, Brook has battled back from a severe leg injury to make two defences in quick succession over Jo Jo Dan and fellow Brit Frankie Gavin, two capable pros who were overmatched by leagues on their respective nights.
Bradley has traded victories with Manny Pacquiao, scored a win over Juan Manuel Marquez, and just recently completed a wide points decision -albeit with a late scare- against Jessie Vargas. Brook would not be a daunting prospect with his experience.
Hopefully Top Rank and Matchroom can make this one happen. As Hearn alluded to their styles would match up quite well; Brook the accurate power-puncher and Bradley the flurrying bulldog with the steel skull. Fireworks!
As good a fight as that would likely be, UK fans will be disheartened to hear that Brook vs. Khan is not the agenda for either man in the near future. Both are chasing the challenge and plaudits of beating top international competition this time out, so kudos to them for that.
Hearn will keep his fingers crossed and hope both win out in their interim appearances so they can come together soon after for a lucrative, high-profile event.
“I am still hopeful that fight fans will see Khan and Brook fight each other next year but for now, with Khan wanting to fight Manny Pacquiao, Bradley looks like it would be a top fight for Kell.”
