Kell Brook returns to the ring this Saturday night at Sheffield’s Fly DSA arena against fringe world level contender Siarhei Rabchanka in his first fight since losing his world title and overcoming depression.
The former world welterweight champion cruised to 36-0 before suffering back to back defeats against Gennady Golovkin at middleweight and Errol Spence Jr at his beloved Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United.
The heavy-handed Golovkin broke Brook’s eye socket, and the same injury reoccurred against the unbeaten Spence. Losing his treasured world title, in front of his people, at the football stadium he holds close to his heart sent the Sheffield man spiralling into despair.
“I’ve been suffering depression,” Brook told Boxing Social. “It’s been very bad because I’m a born winner. I’m used to winning.”
🏃♂️ The Special Run
In or around Sheffield today? Join @SpecialKBrook and his Ingle gym mates for their final run of camp @SUFC_tweets, 4pm!#BrookRabchenkopic.twitter.com/XqDKi7d69S
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 26, 2018
In 2014, Brook realised his boyhood dream by dethroning the marauding champion Shawn Porter over 12 rounds in Carson, California. Months after becoming world champion Brook suffered a stab wound. The welterweight world champion managed to recover to defend his prized strap on three occasions, cementing his position as one of British boxing’s poster boys before losing two on the bounce.
“When you’re that used to winning, it’s hard to think of losing,” he continued. “When I lost that world title, it probably took a month to really settle down. I remember I was just sat there on my own and just thinking this is bad. I was drinking a lot. Sometimes [I was] laying in bed all day and not getting out of bed. I was suffering bad.”
But after six months of soul searching, the former champion decided he had unfinished business with the sport that’s anchored his life since he was eight years old.
“I’ve got a lot to prove to myself, there’s plenty more to come from me,” Brook said defiantly.
“I am in a great place now. Everything is blossoming. Keeping yourself active and keeping yourself moving and being around great people and having a positive outlook on life is the way forward.
“I’ve got a lot to prove still, and I am going to go out there and perform. I’ve got to have something in the pipeline after boxing because all I know is boxing.”
If Brook comes through against his opponent on Saturday, a fight with long-term adversary Amir Khan will come into focus once more. The difference this time is Khan now fights out of the same promotional banner, Matchroom Sport.
“We’re both not getting any younger, we both need each other, it’s a big money fight. It’s the only fight that’s really going to give me that excitement.
“Being involved in that kind of fight will be the pinnacle of my career. Me eventually flattening him will be the icing on the cake. The book will be complete.”
READ MORE:
Amir Khan says Errol Spence Jr is an ideal clash
Boxing Social Offers Condolences To Scott Westgarth’s Family And Friends