Brook determined to force Mayweather bout
IBF WELTERWEIGHT champion Kell Brook is eyeing a February return to the ring and ultimately a showdown with undefeated American superstar Floyd Mayweather as he continues to recover from his stabbing ordeal.
The Sheffield hitman lost a significant amount of blood after being knifed in the leg and suffering a cut to his arm during an incident in the Golf del Sur resort in Tenerife last month.
A matter of weeks earlier, the 28-year-old recorded a points victory over Shawn Porter in California to take the welterweight title and extend his career record to 33-0.
While a bout with fellow Briton Amir Khan has been mooted by both fighters, Brook has no recriminations about highlighting the opponent he is desperate to face.
“I am looking to be ready to fight again in February of next year,” he said. “People want to see Mayweather tested and I am unbeaten. I think that fight needs to happen.
“People are talking about him and Khan but Khan has not even fought at welterweight. I think me and Khan should fight for the right to take on Mayweather, that is the obvious thing.
“Let’s see who the real king of England is, even though we all know it is me. I am world champion, he’s not. I want to put this to bed. I know what will happen in the fight.”
While plans for a December title defence have now been shelved, Brook insists he will return to competitive sport with a fortified determination to showcase his boxing qualities.
“I’m strong willed and will always come through things,” he added.
“This will make me a stronger fighter and a better person. My journey is not over.”
BROOK’S CAREER HIGHS
■ September 2004: Brook defeats journeyman Peter Buckley to start his professional career with a win
■ June 2008: Sees off the challenge of Welshman Barrie Jones to become British champion
■ March 2010: Brook collects the WBO Intercontinental crown after beating Poland’s Krzysztof Bienias
■ March 2012: The Sheffield hitman takes his undefeated run to 27 by beating Matthew Hatton on points
■ August 2014: Brook takes the IBF welterweight title by defeating Shawn Porter on points in California