Kell Brook believes he can score one of the greatest victories in British boxing history if a projected fight with pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford goes ahead later this year.
The Sheffield sharpshooter is closing in on a clash with WBO welterweight champion Crawford in Las Vegas in November after positive discussions with the American’s promoters Top Rank.
“Talks are progressing and we feel like we are edging closer,” Brook told Sky Sports. “My team have been in regular dialogue with Bob Arum. He assures us that both him and Crawford are bang up for it, so hopefully we can get it over the line and give the fight fans something to get excited about and to close 2020 in style.
“Crawford is the champ so rightfully they want the fight Stateside, Vegas has been discussed. It suits me though. I have always wanted to fight in Las Vegas, the bright lights of ‘Sin City’. I’ve dethroned a welterweight American world champion in his own backyard before [W12 Shawn Porter in August 2014] – I look forward to doing it again.
“Date-wise, Bob Arum is looking at mid-November so tell Sky Sports to get the sparklers ready because I’ll be bringing the fans fireworks!”
Crawford’s team clearly believe Brook (39-2, 27 KOs) is a faded force. The former IBF welterweight champion’s career has stagnated somewhat since a move to 154lbs and he has been blighted with inactivity with only four fights in as many years.
But Brook feels rejuvenated after sharing a training camp with world champions Josh Taylor and Billy Joe Saunders, and claims the excess weight has dropped off easily making a return to 147lbs possible.
“I’m feeling sharp, I’m feeling good. I’ve never felt so good this far out from a fight,” said the 34-year-old Brook. “People talk about the age factor, but overlook that Terence will be 33 himself by the time we fight. There isn’t much between us. I look at the time that’s passed as becoming a more mature fighter now and the knowledge and experience I have, for me, make me bang ready for an even more sensational performance.
“He’s an elite level fighter but he’s never been in with anyone as strong, powerful quick and with the timing I possess. I think he knows that too. Nobody at 147 can take that right hand from me when it lands flush!
“Tyson Fury’s wins overseas were huge for British boxing in the recent era,” added Brook. “Terence is a world-class operator, in his prime, and in many people’s eyes the pound-for-pound No, 1 in the world.
“When I dethrone him, I believe you’d have to say it is right up there amongst the biggest victories for British boxing.”