Kell Brook has told ESPN.com that he has grown tired of discussing and trying to setup a future fight with Amir Khan. Brook, we hear you loud and clear!
The Sheffield fighter, who recently battered Frankie Gavin in an IBF title defense at the weekend, is now looking to setup a potential August 29th match up with US slugger Brandon Rios. Many would agree that this is an equally tough test for Brook – just as much as Khan would be. Possibly even tougher.
If a deal can be struck, the fight could be held at Bramall Lane, which is the home of Sheffield United. This is where Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn would like the fight (of course). Whether Rios and his team will warm to the idea is another matter.
Hearn, of Matchroom Boxing, is confident of the fight materializing, however. At a recent press conference, Hearn said that – bar Khan – Rios is the preferred choice given the fighter’s all-action, fan-friendly style.
“Bob Arum and Top Rank still want the fight,” he assured. “We made one offer, they turned it down, now they are considering a second one. I think we will get it done.
“I’ve lost passion for the Amir Khan fight because it seems so far away. Khan is just scared of fighting Kell because of the potential of losing and what it would do to his career. If they lose to Kell they won’t get Mayweather or Pacquiao.”
And on receiving a much-welcome call from Khan in the next week:
“We could do the Millennium Stadium in October or November. If we got the Khan fight we would wait until October or November but we haven’t got long. We probably have about a week until we get Kell’s next opponent signed.”
Brook would of course prefer a more lucrative British showdown with Khan. That’s a given. And Brook himself might be the slight betting favorite in that fight. With the Millennium Stadium, 80,000 capacity potential, and saturated UK sports pages, that kind of event already seems reminiscent of a Froch vs Groves II spectacle.
However, all would not be lost should the Brit face Rios. A title defense against a fight-or-die character such as he would not be scoffed at by a UK or US audience. It would still draw a considerable audience, and should shape up into an entertaining scrap for fight fans. Most involving Rios, such as his trilogy with Mike Alvarado, generally are.
Our guess is that Khan vs Brook won’t happen until after September. That will be the time of Mayweather’s last fight before retiring. Whether Khan plays dance partner or not, it will at least stop Khan from relentlessly chasing the Pound for Pound champ any longer.
Post Mayweather, he will go hunting for the next biggest payday out there – and that would likely be with Brook if the Millennium Stadium has anything to do with it. With Sky Box Office thrown in, it’s a business no-brainer.
What do you think about a potential Brook vs Rios bout? And who would your money be on? Finally, what of Khan vs Brook – still enough potential for a future British dust-up?
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