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Kell Brook 'devastated' after losing world welterweight title to Errol Spence Jr in 11th-round stoppage

Errol Spence celebrates knocking down Kell Brook in the 11th round - REUTERS
Errol Spence celebrates knocking down Kell Brook in the 11th round - REUTERS
  • Kell Brook defeated by Errol Spence Jnr in round 11 stoppage

  • Brook, whose left eye had closed, said: "I'm gutted I've lost my belt in front of my fans in Sheffield. I'm devastated"

  • Spence jnr, new IBF welterweight world champion, says: "I've proved today I have a chin, I have true grit"

Kell Brook's reign as the IBF welterweight champion ended on Saturday night at the hands of impressive American challenger Errol Spence in the eleventh round in front of his home crowd in Sheffield. Brook was unable to see after his left eye had closed having taken a knee, but the brave British fighter was outboxed and outscored by the southpaw who has slick, fast skills, throughout the championship bout.

Brook, proud to the last, had no answer to the Texan's hand speed and vigour.    

One minute and 46 seconds into the penultimate round, Brook was counted out and referee Howard Foster waved the fight off.        

Brook had taken a knee in the tenth round, moreover, under a hail of punches on the ropes in one of the few rounds the two fighters really did go to war. But by then, Brook's left eye was closing fast from the stinging jabs and sweet lefts of the Texan.  

On a night in the steel city that will live long in the memory, Brook was unable to bring to life the prophecy of his uncle Johnny 24 years ago that he would one day bring Sheffield to a standstill with a world title win at this traditional football ground - once one of the great northern powerhouses of football. 

Brook beaten by Spence Jnr
Brook beaten by Spence Jnr

Spence's hand speed, armoury of more shots and angles saw him edge round after round, targeting head and body with Brook unable to impose himself on the 27-year-old, now unbeaten in 22 contests. Brook had sporadic successes, but he was bettered here by the brilliant boxing of the visitor. It was Brook's second defeat after a step up two weight divisions to face Gennady Golovkin at middleweight, who knocked Brook out in the fifth round of their September 2017 fight in London.

There were messy periods in the fight as they clinched again and again in the first world title fight ever in the 162-year history of Bramall Lane. But Spence always looked the busier, as Brook's left eye began to swell from the eighth round. 

Spence, who is the first United States boxer to dethrone an Englishman on British soil in nearly a decade, looked brilliant.  

kell Brook kneels down as his left eye closes - Credit: Reuters
Brook kneels down as his left eye closes Credit: Reuters

The last American to win a world title in England was Timothy Bradley, who defeated another Sheffield native, Junior Witter, in 2008 in Nottingham. Terence Crawford, though, was the victor against Scotsman Ricky Burns in 2014.

Brook: I'm devastated I lost in front of my own fans

"I couldn't see out of the eye, so I had to stop. I thought it was very competitive, he won a few rounds, I won a few rounds, I felt I was in the fight.

"I'm gutted, devastated that in front of my own fans I've lost my belt.

"When I walked out of the tunnel and saw everybody, it was amazing. I'm so proud of myself for having brought this to Sheffield. I got hurt when I got put down, I'm a warrior and when you can't see, there's nothing you can do.

"I will fight anyone, what the fans want, where the money is. I'm sorry for everyone that came out. We made a great night for Sheffield and brought a lot of money into Sheffield. I hope everyone has had a good night."

Spence jnr looks to get on top of Brook in the early rounds - Credit: Rex
Spence jnr looks to get on top of Brook in the early rounds Credit: Rex

Spence: A true champion goes anywhere to fight

"I give Kell all the credit, and the hardcore fans here. A true champion goes anywhere to fight. He has gone to America and fought so I came here.

"I didn't feel that sharp, but true champions still win.

"He was tired, fatigued but kept firing shots. The goal is to unify and become undisputed welterweight champion of the world."

What next for Brook

Brook is likely to move up a weight division. A big money bout with Amir Khan, who was in the commentary box, could be on the cards. 

"I'd like to fight him at 147," Khan told Sky Sports. "It depends on Kell's eye, and also the dates - there are a lot of pay-per-view fights on. The fight between me and Kell Brook is a pay-per-view fight. I really believe that fight next summer would make sense.

 

"I'm sure he's going to go into another fight that is going to be a nice, tune-up fight. Maybe next summer we could be back."

Groves wins world title at fourth attempt

Earlier, George Groves secured a world title at the fourth attempt, ripping the heart out of WBA champion super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov with a brilliant, sustained assault in the sixth round of a fight which was not going his way. Referee Steve Gray had no option as Chudinov had no response to the barrage. "I can put those losses to bed and get on with my life," said an elated Groves. "I'm usually a character who is normally well rehearsed - but this time I have no words. I want to thank everyone who made this happen - Shane McGuigan. He brings the best out of me. I feel like I am the best in the division.

"What a tremendous atmosphere tonight - the crowd has showed me so much respect. I'm over the moon."

Groves raises his hands in delight after becoming world champion at the fourth attempt - Credit: Rex
Groves raises his hands in delight after becoming world champion at the fourth attempt Credit: Rex

Groves strode to the ring with real intent, but it was clear that his jabs were bouncing off the rugged Russia in the opening round, the fight quickly becoming a torrid affair as the two went toe-to-toe, Chudinov winning the first three rounds before Groves found some stinging replies with uppercuts to the body and an assault himself in the fourth. But the sudden reversal from Groves in the middle round of the championship fight came from nowhere, and carried all the frustration of his two defeats to Carl Froch, and the loss to Badou Jack in Las Vegas. It was a brilliant attack and it brought Chudinov to a standstill, many and heavy were the hooks and uppercuts from both hands. It was a barrage that has re-written his boxing career. And his life. The football ground erupted with genuine delight for Groves. 

On the undercard the Olympic trio of Joe Cordina, Anthony Fowler - making his debut - and Lawrence Okolie earned first-round victories. Welshman Cordina moved to 3-0 as a professional, and Fowler - cousin of former England and Liverpool footballer Robbie Fowler, and winner of a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, looked impressive against Arturs Geikins, dropping him twice for a first round victory. Cruiserweight Okolie, who looks very impressive indeed, and also won inside a round to delight the rowdy support and extend his record in the paid ranks to three fights undefeated. As the ground began to fill up earlier in the evening, the likeable Doncaster heavyweight David Allen was unable to win the Commonwealth heavyweight championship after a split decision defeat to Lenroy Thomas.

Allen's rugged, hard-working performance was only enough to sway one judge - he was on the wrong end of a 115-114, 113-115, 115-114 scorecard. "I wanted to win the belt for my dad," said Allen who moved to eleven wins, three losses and one draw. Allen's father had won on Herol Graham's undercard in 1984 when Bramall Lane last hosted a boxing event. Thomas, meanwhile, revealed afterwards that he had been living in a dumpster truck for a year and working in a fast food chain. Boxing may be glamourous for the for the chosen few, but for Thomas, last night was more than just a belt. 

11:35PM

Brook: "I'm devastated"

"It were a very tough fight. Spence is one of the best kids I've been in with," he says after.

"I got caught in the eye. It felt like the Golovkin one. 

"I couldn't see out of the eye. I had to stop."

"It was a very competitive fight. I live to fight another today. I'm gutted I've lost my belt in front of my fans in Sheffield. I'm devastated."

11:32PM

Impressive from Errol Spence Jnr

His first pro fight out of North America, Errol Spence was very, very impressive. 

The new IBF welterweight world champion beams from ear to ear as he is announced to the crowd.

"I came out the first round trying to force by jab, overshooting it. He's a tricky fighter, awkward. I've proved today I have a chin, I have true grit.

"There were no doubts at all. I'll give myself a B-. I give Kell a lot of credit. He had beautiful fans. 

"This is what champions to do. He came to America, so I came over here to get it from him."

Spence Jnr celebrates his victory - Credit: Reuters
Spence Jnr celebrates his victory Credit: Reuters

 

11:27PM

Round eleven - Brook vs Spence Jnr

The pundits have Spence jnr up in this fight, so Brook may need a KO to win this fight.

Brook's eye very swollen now but he nearly unhinges Spence with an uppercut. Tremendous.

But Brook begins to waver again, Spence on the attack. Brook looking unlikely to see out the round again.

He kneels down with his eye in a bad state. Errol Spence Junior is the new world champion!

11:25PM

Round ten - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Kell Brook down with still two minutes to go in the round.

Surely this is it. Spence jnr goes back in ready to finish the fight. Brook's all over the place.

Special K tries to come back, swinging left, right, left. Somehow he's still going, but surely not for long.

Still Brook tries. Impressive resistance. He looked gone moments earlier, but still he attacks. What a display.

He makes the end of the round. Incredible.

Kell Brook vs Errol Spence jnr - Credit: Reuters
Credit: Reuters

 

11:21PM

Round nine - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Gareth A Davies' pre-round nine verdict: 'That was much better from Brook, he was caught by a big counter, but he may just be wearing the American challenger down...'

This is incredibly tight as we enter the ninth - and this round begins in a similar way. Brook's eye is swelling quite badly and Spence looking the stronger of the two.

Brook's going, surely. He's looking in trouble with 20 seconds left in the round. Spence going for him here. Brook holds onto Spence and clings on to see the bell.

Not good. Spence jnr nearly had Brook there. Special K raises a fist at the end, but it wasn't his round.

Brook is caught  - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

 

11:16PM

Round eight - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Gareth A Davies' pre-eighth round verdict: 'I have Spence with five rounds, one a 10-10, and just one round for Brook. Champion trying to be more aggressive but not finding openings...'

Carl Froch is impressed with Spence's speed in the early moments of the eighth.

Here comes Brook, on the attack. He looks so much stronger than his opponent in full flow but the American is defending well.

And now back with Spence as the round enters the final minute, scoring punches. Brook's left eye swells. 

The fight swinging back the way of the American.

Kell Brook (left) in action against Errol Spence during their IBF Welterweight World Championship at Bramall Lane - Credit: PA
Credit: PA

 

11:12PM

Round seven - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Unofficial scores among those ringside mostly go with Brook ahead at the halfway stage.

Spence sends back some combinations and looks a little better in this round, Brook not able to find the same aggression he had in the sixth.

Much better from the American, there. Will Brook be able to maintain the same energy in the final five rounds of this fight?

Kell Brook on the attack against Spence junior
Brook on the attack against Spence junior

 

11:08PM

Round six - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Prince Naseem says Brook is still in charge of this fight, while Spence is feeling the heat. Others saying Brook in front.

Onto round six. Here comes Brook, forcing Spence to stagger backwards. 

But that forces Spence to come out and attack more. Brook continues to unleash. Sparks fly.

Spence, again, looks to be holding on towards the end of this sixth round, taking an uppercut from Brook.

Strong round for the home favourite. 

Shawn Porter, in the crowd, says he has it level after six. Excellent first half to this bout.

11:04PM

Round five - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Gareth A Davies' pre-round five verdict: 'Spence's hand speed, armoury of more shots and angles is winning this fight. 3-1 in rounds to the American after four. Brook needs to impose himself more. And he's targeting champions body.'

And onto the fifth. Brook, again, looks the likelier of the two to land something telling, working Spence's body midway through the round.

There it is - Brook's counter right hook lands. Spence not looking as strong in the fifth round here - not until he unleashes a volley towards the end of the round. Froch thinks Brook dominated that round.

Kell Brook vs Errol Spence jnr - Credit: Reuters
Credit: Reuters

 

11:00PM

Round four - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Pundits were saying ahead of this one that Brook would need to make use of the first four rounds, which makes the next three minutes incredibly important. Can Special K create problems for his opponent?

Spence is continuing to get better, though has a cut to his lip showing halfway through the round.

The crowd begins to stand and roar as Brook shows aggression towards the end of the round. Still we wait for the big moment.

Froch's verdict: Brook has settled down better. Spence needs urgency in his work.

10:56PM

Round three - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Here's what Gareth A Davies made of the opening two rounds: "Great start. Spence round one, Brook round two. Good work by Brook in the second. "

So into the third.

Worryingly Spence Jnr comes out much stronger and looks more urgent, causing Brook a few problems in the opening exchanges landing a right hook.

But back comes Brook, forcing his opponent onto the ropes. Neither have landed anything too telling so far.

Difficult to split the two nine minutes in.

brook vs Spence Junir - Credit: Rex
Credit: Rex

 

10:52PM

Round two - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Brook's looking good in the early moments of this second round, but the two fighters' feet continue to come together making it difficult.

Again, Brook works the body well but Spence is continuing to defend high making it difficult for Special K.

Prince Naseem Hamed is impressed: "Kell's backing him up, doing well."

10:48PM

Round one - Brook vs Spence Jnr

Both fighters take their time, studying and probing each other for the first minute or so of the fight.

Brook is positive, unleashing a few jabs. Spence Jnr much more circumspect in these opening exchanges.

Spence Jnr came into the fight the slight favourite and he finds his way a little more just before the bell.

10:43PM

Gareth A Davies: "Brook looks tense to me; Spence very relaxed, loose"

A few more boos as the US national anthem rings out. This is going to be a very difficult fight for Brook; Spence an undefeated southpaw with plenty of talent.

Gareth A Davies studies the fighters' body language as they enter the ring, concluding:

"Brook looks tense to me; Spence very relaxed, loose."

Hopefully he will settle quickly into the fight.

Let's get ready to rumble!

Kell Brook introduced to the crowd - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
Kell Brook introduced to the crowd Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

 

10:37PM

Kell Brook arrives looking relaxed; crowd goes wild

And here's Kell Brook, walking out at Bramall Lane to a huge roar.

"All of the Lights" rings out as he hits his gloves against the other, soaking up this atmosphere at his home fight.

He raises his fists to the crowd, looking relaxed.

The waiting's over: it's fight time.

10:33PM

Errol Spence Junior jeered, predictably

Here's Michael Buffer. Here are the boos for Errol Spence Junior.

"Who are ya?" shout the crowd.

Now for the home favourite. I wonder what kind of reception he'll get?

Errol Spence Junior on his way to the ring - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
Errol Spence Junior on his way to the ring Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

 

10:27PM

Here we go, then: Ring walks imminent

Tony Bellew: "He cannot afford to lose the first four rounds of the fight. He needs to stamp his authority. Errol Spence is yet to do 12 rounds. I think Kell Brook wins this on points."

Strap yourselves in. 

10:18PM

Nearly Kell Brook time - "I'm going to give it everything"

Kell Brook: "I'm tense, I'm sharp, I'm ready. 

On being the underdog: "It's going to drive me on. I'm ready. I love being the underdog.

"I'm going to give it everything. He's not been in the ring with someone like me."

Kell Brook v Errol Spence Jnr Weigh-In - Credit: PA
The wait is nearly over Credit: PA

 

10:11PM

Groves on who he wants to fight next...

"Who wants to fight me? I'm tired of chasing people."

Trainer Shane McGuigan on his man's victory: "He's a world class fighter - and now he's proved it. Fourth-time a charm. No disrespect for Callum [Smith] and James [DeGale], I don't want to talk about them tonight.

"I'm super proud of him [George]."

That moment of elation for George Groves - Credit: Rex
That moment of elation for George Groves Credit: Rex

 

10:06PM

Groves: 'I'm over the moon'

"I was a little bit too eager to fight. 

"I'm usually a character who is normally well rehearsed - but this time I have no words.

"I want to thank everyone who made this happen - Shane McGuigan. He brings the best out of me. I feel like I am the best in the division.

"What a tremendous atmosphere tonight - the crowd has showed me so much respect. I'm over the moon."

He added: "I can put those losses to bed and get on with my life."

George Groves v Fedor Chudinov - Credit: Reuters
Credit: Reuters

 

10:03PM

Here's Gareth A Davies' verdict on George Groves' triumph

What an assault from George Groves in the sixth round - from nowhere.

Brilliant attack and he sustained it and brought Chudinov to a standstill. Decent stoppage.

Those were many and heavy hooks and that was a real barrage. The football ground has erupted.

Real delight for Groves winning a world title at the fourth attempt. 

George Groves becomes a world champion - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
The moment the referee steps in Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

 

9:59PM

Round six - Groves vs Chudinov

Huge cheer as Prince Naseem Hamed appears on the big screen.

He'll be delighted with Groves' start to the sixth round. A flurry of blows and Chudinov is struggling.

Groves goes for it - the Russian looks stunned. Another blow, two, three - and the referee stops the fight.

George Groves is a world champion at last!

9:57PM

Round five - Groves vs Chudinov

Again Chudinov gets Groves into a corner, but the Saint fights his way out. The cut above his eye, again, is bleeding and hindering his vision.

Chudinov finishes round five the stronger. Froch believes Groves has proved he has plenty in the tank if it goes the distance.

Groves and Chudinov in the early rounds - Credit: Reuters
Groves and Chudinov in the early rounds Credit: Reuters

 

9:53PM

Round four - Groves vs Chudinov

An opportunity for Chudinov here as Groves' eye has a cut and he attempts to cash in with a flurry of punches.

But Groves fights back with a big right hook, knocking Chudinov's head. The Russian, perhaps tellingly, has barely backed off and needs more.

Here comes Grove again, though. Body, head, body. 

What a round. Groves, surely, the winner of the fourth.

9:49PM

Round three - Groves vs Chudinov

Carl Froch gives round one to Chudinov and round two to Groves.

Onto the third. The pace has notably leveled out after a quick first six minutes of this fight.

Groves produces a good right-hand and right hook, but Chudinov remains strong and the Russian ends the round on the attack.

George Groves v Fedor Chudinov - Credit: Rex
Credit: Rex

 

9:45PM

Round two - Groves vs Chudinov

Groves almost ran to the ring during his walk - and he's kept up the pace at the start of this fight.

Chudinov, though, is looking very strong - his jab landing on Groves' face in the second round. 

Our man Gareth A Davies says:

This is not what Groves wanted - his jabs are bouncing off Chudinov and they are in a dog fight already.

Looks bad for Groves...   

9:41PM

Round one - Groves vs Chudinov

Here we go, then.  The vacant WBA super-middleweight crown goes to the winner.

Groves lands well early - an excellent start from the Saint. Chudinov's face already a little red around the eye.

But the Russian lands one of his own as he works his way back into the round. Groves really on the back foot towards the end of the round.

A fast start, an exciting beginning to this fight.

9:34PM

George Groves time

Here we go. Saint George Grove's fourth attempt at a world title.

He receives a huge roar as he enters the stadium at quite a pace - he's up for this.

Carl Froch - the main who twice defeated Groves - says it's 'last chance saloon' but that he has a good feeling about the Saint winning this fight.

George Groves arrives into the stadium - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
George Groves arrives into the stadium Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

 

9:30PM

Minute's silence for Manchester terror victims

Ahead of George Groves vs Fedor Chudinov, Michael Buffer calls a minute's silence for those who lost their lives in Monday's terror attack.

 "Rest in Peace Manchester, we will never forget you," he says afterwards.

The ring - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

 

9:25PM

Amir Khan: It's 60/40 in Brook's favour

Amir Khan is a pundit for tonight's fight. he, of course, could be the opponent for the winner of tonight's big bout. 

"I'd like Kell Brook to win the fight. I'm making it 60/40.

"Kell has to stay away from those body shots, keep it long. Errol Spence is a great champion - he won't give it up easily."

Khan adds that he and Brook could fight at Wembley in front of a huge crowd. 

Brook will need to come through this one first.

Two others backing Brook:

 

9:10PM

Eddie Hearn thinks both Brook and Spence Jr will 'go for it'

Gareth A Davies reports from ringside:

Just spoke to the promoter Eddie Hearn. He thinks both men will "go for it" in the main event.

In my view, Brook has to. Spence will be Spence, and Brook must break the southpaw's slick rhythm early.

We're only just over an hour away from finding out.

9:07PM

Shawn Porter on why Errol Spence can beat Kell Brook

Shawn Porter, the boxer from whom Kell Brook took the IBF welterweight title, believes Errol Spence will go back to the USA as the victor of tonight's belt, writes Gareth A Davies.

But Porter, who was defeated on points by Brook in California in August 2014, says that Brook is not regarded as a star in the US, but could enjoy new status if he was to send Spence back to Texas with the first loss on his record.

"If Brook beats Spence it means he did a pretty good job. It all depends on his performance. If it's a performance people aren't expecting and he's hitting Errol in ways we didn't expect, he may open some eyes. Up until this point he has still not be viewed as a champion in the States.

Shawn Porter, right, believes Spence is ready to take over - Credit: Getty Images
Shawn Porter, right, believes Spence is ready to take over Credit: Getty Images

"To be recognised you have to perform in America and then after that you have to continue that momentum. It seems to me he hasn't. He's marched his belt around the UK. If you want to make fans in America you have to fight over there. If he wins this fight in fantastic style you can be sure he'll come over to the States. We'll be taking some notice."

But Porter believes his compatriot will slip the belt from around Brook's waist.

"Errol is going to come over here and leave the champion. We're all expecting his young tenacity to take over. Everyone is excited about this fight."

8:57PM

Gareth A Davies sets the scene

These nights in stadiums are great for the soul when you cover boxing. The spits of rain - just spits - are worrying but Britain does stadium fights like perhaps only Mexico can. 

There's real anticipation here - and a great reception for big fella Dave Allen after his fight - and what a story too from Lenroy Thomas - who revealed that he has lived in a dumpster for the last year and has been working at KFC ... glamorous sport boxing, eh ?

Good to see the intent from Anthony Fowler on his debut - cousin of Robbie Fowler of course - and a real prospect.

 

8:54PM

Kell Brook: 'I'm too stubborn to give this up'

Here's what Brook said earlier in the week about tonight's fight with Spence Jr.

"It took me a whole career to claim this belt against Shawn Porter, and it was hard earned in the United States, against the odds.

"I'm too stubborn just to give it up, and if Spence wants this belt, he's going to have to rip it from me in front of 27 thousand fans in my home town. I had a great camp making the weight, and training for this and I will be drawing off that support to get the most out of myself. There's going to be drama in this fight, and I am going to the wire - and the trenches - if I have to, to keep it." 

8:51PM

Undercard underway

Andy Townend beat Jon Kays in the Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Championship earlier this evening - and here he is celebrating his victory.

Andy Townend celebrates beating Jon Kays during their Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Championship - Credit: PA
Andy Townend celebrates beating Jon Kays during their Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Championship Credit: PA

 

8:41PM

Our man Gareth A Davies is ringside

He will be sending through live updates throughout the night.

In the meantime, here's how Sheffield United's ground looks with a boxing ring in the middle of it.

 

8:39PM

Extra security at Bramall Lane tonight 

In the wake of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack, extra security will be in place on Saturday night as 27,000 fans file into Bramall Lane.

As well as Brook-Spence, George Groves will attempt to win a world super middleweight crown for the fourth time against the tough Russian Fedor Chudinov, holder of the World Boxing Association belt. 

Groves suffered two high-profile stoppage defeats by Carl Froch and a split-decision loss against Badou Jack in Las Vegas, and this may be the ‘Last-Chance Saloon’ for the fighter’s world title dreams. 

It is an important fight, moreover, for Groves’s trainer Shane McGuigan, whose high-profile charges Carl Frampton, the Belfast featherweight, and heavyweight David Haye have been on the wrong end of defeats already this year. “George has learnt from his defeats, and the first four rounds of this fight are going to be exciting and will decide where the fight goes. We believe our man has the beating of Chudinov.” 

The card also marks the professional debut of Glasgow Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anthony Fowler, who is the cousin of former England and Liverpool footballer Robbie Fowler.

8:36PM

Big fight preview: Kell Brook vs Errol Spence

Kell Brook will be fulfilling a dream he shared with his uncle when he defends his IBF welterweight title against America's Errol Spence at Bramall Lane tonight.

The 31-year-old on Friday completed his descent from the middleweight division by coming in under 147lbs for the fourth defence of his title and his toughest fight to date at that weight.

In the next couple of hours at the home of Sheffield United, who Brook and his uncle Johnny passionately support, he is challenged by a fighter of perhaps the highest calibre, and at the venue his uncle first took him to at seven years old.

Since then Brook has progressed into one of the world's leading fighters at 147lbs, and even against a fighter compared to the great Floyd Mayweather, his uncle expects to remain accurate in predicting Brook's latest success.

Kell Brook (left) and Errol Spence Jnr during the weigh-in at Sheffield City Hall - Credit: PA
The two weigh-in yesterday Credit: PA

"I'm just so happy that my uncle's dream has come true," said the champion, who weighed in at 10st 6lbs 7oz on Friday afternoon. "I am just so motivated for this fight, being back in Sheffield and being here.

"I'm happy I can finally tick this box off and his dream can come true. I've been on to Eddie (Hearn, my promoter) to make it happen for a few years now.

"The atmosphere, when I was a youngster first feeling that: when we're on fire here, it is fantastic.

Brook has been relaxed all week - Credit: Reuters
Brook has been relaxed all week Credit: Reuters

"(My uncle) said I would win different national titles as an amateur. The British title, he predicted the round and everything (when I defeated Barrie Jones in 2008). And he has done other things that stand out. He has done it again with this.

"He has come to all my fights. He designs all my shorts, every time I've fought, every single fight I have had. So it has been a big input from him.

"He says it is going to be a hard fight, but he thinks I'm going to come out victorious, going the distance. It's finally here now.

"He has done a few things like that in my life, and they have come true."