Kell Brook vs Errol Spence Jr represents a throwback fight in the welterweight division of the highest calibre, here’s why.
It is a brilliant time to be a Sheffield United fan. The Blades are back where they belong and one of Sheffield’s favourite sons is going to be strutting his stuff at the iconic Bramall Lane.
Sean Bean may also be there to enjoy the final days of sunshine before the cold winds emerge. In all seriousness, Saturday’s main event contains an array of the ingredients needed for the bout to be a sumptuous affair.
SEE ALSO: Brook vs Spence ‘Behind The Ropes’
Given Kell Brook’s stature in British boxing, it is perhaps surprising that the fight itself has gone under the radar somewhat.
If the Joshua-Klitschko fight had not have taken place merely weeks ago, the public may be a tad more invested in the event.
Brook-Khan inside Bramall lane has a better ring to it than Brook-Spence, the omission of the Bolton native is purely his own doing.
Therefore he fails to draw sympathy from me. After all, it is doubtful that Khan’s next opponent will be half as formidable as Spence.
Eddie Hearn has done a remarkable job in attracting stellar names to the United Kingdom. Terrence Crawford, Deontay Wilder, Gennady Golovkin and Wladimir Klitschko have all entered our shores in search of recognition.
Errol Spence can be added to this list, in victory or defeat.
Brook and Spence boast solid records, Brook’s conquest of Porter is arguably the most impressive feat of the two.
Defeating an unbeaten American fighter in America is a tall order, yet Brook did it comfortably from my perspective. Utilising the jab expertly to hold middle-ground as well as lightning quick counters to unnerve Porter.
Moreover Brook’s manoeuvres against Golovkin also stand out as an achievement in itself. He caused more damage to GGG than bona fide middleweights did including: Mathew Macklin, Curtis Stevens and Daniel Geale.
In turn making a switch to light-middleweight a distinct possibility come 2018.
Errol Spence has been taking the welterweight division by storm of late; his previous seven opponents have all been knocked out in comprehensive fashion.
Whilst nobody doubted the outcome prior to any of said bouts, it has to be noted that knocking out Leonard Bundu coupled with Chris Algieri is testament to the explosive left hand Spence possesses.
Bundu has forever been a classy operator, shining brightest in the twilight of his career against the likes of Frankie Gavin and Lee Purdy.
True, the opponents he faced before the British duo were unheralded on the world stage, yet at the age of forty he survived twelve rounds with Keith Thurman.
A man alleged to be the one charged with the responsibility of carrying the division post-Floyd.
Chris Algieri held on against Manny Pacquiao for thirty-six minutes, losing by a lob-sided decision, yet Spence demolished the New Yorker in a measly three rounds.
Brook must retain absolute concentration in Saturday’s contest- should he show weakness, the shark Errol Spence will glide in mercilessly.
A potentially promising omen for Brook, is that Spence has not turned the defeat of Algieri into a source of major momentum, owing to the fact he has fought only once in the previous twelve months.
However, Spence is twenty-seven years old and has not racked up many miles of combat, so I do expect the Texan to perform to his peak.
Furthermore he appears to be in an amazing physical condition as one would anticipate given his youthfulness.
Brook seems to have transitioned back into a suitable weight. On Tuesday he weighed in at an impressive 148.2 lbs. A sure sign that he has reacclimatised to the welterweight division.
The eye injury he suffered at the hands of Golovkin has been resolved. Mental wounds however may still exist, only time will tell whether it changes his game-plan at all.
One thing is for sure- Errol Spence has the hand speed advantage heading into this fight, a rarity for any foe Brook has faced.
Frankie Gavin also provided Kell with food for thought, being a southpaw akin to Spence yet the latter has greater dexterity.
Consequently making the bout a rather unpredictable encounter. However I will stick to my early forecast, which was made two months ago- Spence will win via late stoppage.
This is pure conjecture of course, however it is my gut feeling. I fear Kell may tire at the back end of the fight, as a result of unrelenting body shots- which will be all the more potent given Kell’s excursion into the 160 lb arena.
I would like to conclude by wishing good luck to both competitors. Recent events in Manchester should leave us feeling sober about the fight.
The main thing for this writer is for attendees to arrive and depart safely, coupled with every fighter on the card.
It has duly been announced that there will be full body scanners for spectators to funnel through, in addition to a heightened police presence.
Everybody who has a ticket ought to go as normal, as our emergency services are the best we could hope for. Enjoy your night as you should, for these big events do not come about often.
For once I can say that I have no qualms about paying the extortionate Sky Box Office fee.
