Kell Brook will defend his IBF welterweight world title against Jo Jo Dan in Sheffield on Saturday night, and he is planning a huge break-out fight this summer.
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Much of the talk surrounding Brook’s career so far has been about a possible domestic showdown with Amir Khan, but after years of calling him out it has not resulted in the pair clashing in the ring.
Khan has continually downplayed Brook’s achievements, and even though the Sheffield-born fighter is the only other champion in a division with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, the fight still can’t be made.
It appears as though the potential for that fight is gradually fading, as after making the first defence of his title this weekend against his mandatory challenger, Brook will be looking to take on the best in the weight class.
The 28-year-old knows that he needs to take care of business on Saturday, but the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez and Brandon Rios are being lined up for the summer and that will undoubtedly take him to the next level.
After defeating Shawn Porter for the title in California last summer, Brook’s upcoming bout will also be shown on Showtime in the USA. As a result, his profile continues to grow Stateside and the fact that he will be ringside at Mayweather vs Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2, could add further intrigue to the situation.
If Brook defeats Dan and then a top-class summer opponent, is he in line to face either Mayweather or Pacquiao ater in the year? Much depends on what the duo plan after their super-fight, as there are suggestions that Pac-Man at least could hang up the gloves.
Mayweather may well look to reach 50-0 provided he wins on May 2, but does Brook have the profile to generate significant money? In short, the answer is no.
A fight with Pacquiao would appear to be more realistic as if the Filipino wins in May, a unification fight potentially in England could appeal to him. Mayweather could be trickier, as he will be unlikely to want to leave Vegas and will look to generate as much revenue as possible as his career comes to an end.
However, Brook can’t worry about that. The IBF champion must beat who is put in front of him over the next few months and continue to build both his name and skill in the ring.
He recently suggested that Khan would be a mere memory if the pair fought as he is confident that he would take him out. With his Bolton-born rival looking at a possible clash with Adrien Broner in May, a bout which he should easily win, Khan is already beginning to fade into the background as Brook eyes bigger prizes and isn’t scared of taking on the best in the business.
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