This weekend will see a hotly anticipated showdown unfold between experienced title holder Kell Brook and touted upstart Errol Spence Jr. Really, unless you’re a complete boxing cynic, there’s not a whole lot not to like. Sure, this is Spence’s first rodeo in a championship bout against a truly world-class opponent, but, for me, this is more or less a 60-40 fight, with Brook having that slight edge.
For some, however, this is a totally even matchup. Spence hasn’t notched up any major career wins, but he has passed the eye test on every occasion, looking real classy dominating and usually blowing guys away. He’s the younger man, is brimming with confidence, has an equally dynamic boxer-puncher style, and poses a legitimate threat to Brook.
Of course, like any intriguing matchup, there are usually a few unknowns and burning questions. And Brook vs Spence Jr is no exception. With Brook, we know he’s a top Welterweight, even if – for a dozen different reasons, probably mainly politics – he is yet to throw down with guys like Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.
Brook piled on the pounds to meet Middleweight titan Gennady Golovkin in September where, despite putting on a commendable performance, he wound up getting stopped and in need of eye socket surgery. So, cause for concern could be whether Brook can comfortably boil back down two divisions and perform in a critical encounter, and also whether his rebuilt eye can hold up against a proven puncher.
With Spence, the questions are a lot simpler. We know he can fight, has a top-drawer tool set, is a big Welterweight, as is Brook, and just looks like a whole lot of trouble for today’s champions. But it’s all speculation right now. Spence is taking a big step-up against Brook, who will be the biggest puncher and talent he has faced to date. In addition, Spence will be fighting on the road for the first time in his pro career. Can he rise to the occasion?
This meeting looks fiery and competitive, and should make a significant impact on the deep Welterweight scene, currently led by Brook (BB’s No.1) and Keith Thurman (No.2). Be sure to check out our current Top 10 Welterweight Rankings for the full picture.
Brook vs Spence Jr: Fight Night Lowdown
Fight Time & TV Channel
The televised broadcast gets underway on Saturday, May 27 from 6:00pm GMT on Sky Sports Box Office, and 5:15pm ET on Showtime for US fight fans.
Full Undercard
- George Groves (25-3, 18 KO) vs Fedor Chudinov (14-1, 10 KO) | vacant WBA Super Middleweight Championship | 12 rounds
- David Allen (11-2-1, 8 KO) vs Lenroy Thomas (20-4, 10 KO) | Heavyweight | 12 rounds
- Jamie Cox (21-0, 12 KO) vs Lewis Taylor (19-3-1, 3 KO) | Super Middleweight | 12 rounds
- Andy Townend (18-4, 12 KO) vs Jon Kays (22-5-1, 5 KO) | Junior Lightweight | 12 rounds
- Lawrence Okolie (2-0, 2 KO) vs Russell Henshaw (7-5, 2 KO) | Cruiserweight | 4 rounds
- Anthony Fowler (0-0, 0 KO) vs Arturs Geikins (3-7-1, 2 KO) | Middleweight | 4 rounds
Brook vs Spence Jr: Extended Tale of the Tape, Facts & Stats
Note: Advantageous stats are indicated in red (some may be subjective), and championship stats refer to ‘fully fledged world titles’ only.
Kell Brook vs Errol Spence Jr
Physical/Vital
Birthplace
Sheffield, UK … New York, US
Age
31 … 27
Height
5’ 9” … 5′ 10″
Reach
69″ … 72″
Stance
Orthodox … Southpaw
Record
Debut
2004 … 2012
Bouts
37 … 21
Wins / Defeats / Draws / KOs
36-1, 25 KO … 21-0, 18 KO
Knockout Ratio
68% (25) … 86% (18)
Last 5 Fights
4-1, 3 KO … 5-0, 5 KO
Last 10 Fights
9-1, 7 KO … 10-0, 9 KO
1st Round Knockouts
4 … 7
2nd Round Knockouts
5 … 1
3rd Round Knockouts
6 … 3
4th – 6th Round Knockouts
7 … 6
Defeats by Knockout
1 … 0
Knockdowns Suffered
0 … 0
Rounds Boxed
184 … 77
12-Rounders Completed
4 … 0
Current Winning Streak
0 … 21
Undefeated Fighters Defeated
1 … 1
Latest Win
Kevin Bizier (TKO 2) … Leonard Bundu (KO 6)
World Title Bout Experience
Wins / Defeats / Draws / KOs
4-1, 3 KO … NA
Successful Defenses
3 … NA
Longest Championship Reign
08/2014 – Present … NA
Major Titles Won
IBF (147 lbs) … NA
Major Titles Currently Held
IBF (147 lbs) … NA
Boxing Base Top 10 World Ranking
No.1 … No.8
Notable Performances
BROOK: Gennady Golovkin (LOSS: TKO 5), Kevin Bizier (TKO 2), Frankie Gavin (TKO 6), Jo Jo Dan (RTD 4), Shawn Porter (MD 12), Alvaro Robles (TKO 8), Vyacheslav Senchenko (TKO 4), Carson Jones (TKO 8, MD 12), Hector Saldivia (TKO 3), Matthew Hatton (UD 12), Lovemore Ndou (UD 12), Michael Jennings (TKO 5)
SPENCE JR: Leonard Bundu (KO 6), Chris Algieri (TKO 5), Alejandro Barrera (TKO 5), Chris Van Heerden (TKO 8), Phil Lo Greco (TKO 3), Samuel Vargas (TKO 4)
Common Opponents
None
What’s your take on BB’s Brook vs Spence Jr Tale of the Tape, Facts & Stats? And how do you see this intriguing Welterweight championship unfolding? Spill your thoughts in the comments.
