This fight has, for a long time, been looking like one that would get away. Both men are diminished from when it was first mooted. Both have suffered heavy losses. Amir Khan was badly knocked out by Canelo Alvarez last year and Kell Brook has suffered consecutive bone-breaking defeats against Gennady Golovkin and Errol Spence. But now Brook and Khan have few other options and finally, perhaps overdue, the two could box one another.
In his last two fights Brook has suffered bad injuries, breaking the eye socket on both sides. Boxing is a gruelling sport at the best of times but those injuries will take a toll. Coming all the down from middleweight will have exacted a toll on his body too. After two lucrative pay-per-view fights, now could be the time for Brook to enjoy a hard-earned rest.
- Miguel Cotto
Surely Brook can’t keep himself at the 147lbs welterweight much longer. If he moves up to super-welterweight the biggest name for him there is Miguel Cotto. The Puerto Rican legend is due to fight for a WBO title in August and Brook could be a credible future opponent for him.
- Manny Pacquiao
With the rise of Errol Spence and Keith Thurman establishing himself, it’s easy to forget that Manny Pacquiao still has a case for being the best welterweight on the planet. Brook could try to insert an English stop on Pacquiao’s world tour but he would surely need to tempt him to a catchweight higher than 147lbs.
- Liam Smith
If Brook does move up to super-welterweight a potential British rival is on hand in the form of former WBO world champion and Canelo Alvarez victim Liam Smith.
