THERE had been doubts that Kell Brook could make the agreed 149lbs catchweight for his grudge match with Amir Khan. But in Manchester on Friday Brook came in below that weight at 148lbs 5oz. Khan also weighed in under that limit, just over welterweight at 147lbs 5oz.
Brook appeared the bigger man, in great shape but perhaps too great a shape. He looked gaunt, a hint that he might have had to drain himself, and will need to rehydrate and recover before the contest.
Khan, training in a new camp with a new coach in Brian McIntyre, was in good physical condition, better than usual in fact even at his age. But he, like Brook, has suffered punishing stoppage losses and he too is coming towards the end of a long, hard career.
Both successfully avoided any financial penalties they would have incurred if they’d come in over the contracted weight. It’s hard to say who that will advantage. Khan makes welterweight more easily, it will have been harder for Brook to reach this weight. That suggests he’ll be the bigger man in the ring on Saturday. However the battle with the scales might have made him more vulnerable. In short the fight remains a mystery. Read more here.
At yesterday’s press conference, Khan said, “I’m worried about Kell’s health after the beating I’m going to be giving him. It’ll be something he’s never had before. We are going to definitely put him in his place. It’s been a very long time. Ten years [this rivalry has] been going on. This is my time now to put him in his place.
“I’m going to shut him up for good. Something he’s going to remember for a very long time.”
Brook insisted, “This means so much to me. This fight’s been talked about for many, many years. You’re going to see the condition and the hard work I’ve put in. I’m ready for 12 hard rounds. I’m ready to put a show on for the fans.”
