It's finally ON! Kell Brook (36-1) will defend his IBF welterweight world title against unbeaten American Errol Spence (21-0) at the home of Sheffield United, Bramall Lane.
The Sheffield-native will defend his belt against mandatory challenger Spence, on Saturday May 27th on Sky Sports Box Office from Bramall Lane.
Blades-fan, Brook, will fulfill a long life ambition by walking out to over 30,000 Yorkshire faithfuls after consistently packing out the Sheffield Arena.
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The highly-anticipated clash pits two of the best 147lbs fighters in the sport. And about time the governing body mustered up a worthy challenger.
"I'm so excited about this fight and also about making history in my city," said Brook. "It's long been a dream of mine to fight outdoors at Bramall Lane and I'm pleased to do that in the biggest fight in the Welterweight division.
"I saw many people talk about how I would avoid Errol Spence - they don't know me, they don't know what I'm about. All I've ever wanted to do is to give the fans the fights they want and they have it right here on May 27 - I'm going to show the world that I'm the best Welterweight on the planet and I'm going to do it right before my people's eyes."
"I'm happy I'm finally getting an opportunity to accomplish a lifelong dream of becoming a World champion," said Spence. "I feel that this is one of the best and biggest fights in world boxing and I am 100 per cent focused and determined to bring the belt back home to the USA - on May 27 I will be more than ready."
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"This is one of the best fights in world boxing," said Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn. "Many believed that Kell Brook would look to avoid Errol Spence but he is a proud man who never ducks a challenge.
"Coming off the fight with GGG this is an extremely tough fight to come back to but I believe Kell Brook is the best Welterweight in the world and he will have the chance to prove it on May 27. It's 'The Special One' vs 'The Truth', a historic event at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane - we are planning an unforgettable night."
Brook is heading back to the welterweight limit following his valiant defeat to the feared middleweight king Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin last September who stepped up to the plate after Chris Eubank Jr. flaked out.
(Brook exchanging shots with Golovkin during their bout last September. Image: PA)
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The Kazakh destroyer inflicted Brook with his first professional defeat but was praised - and rightfully so - for getting into the ring with Golovkin. After suffering an eye injury, trainer Dominic Ingle threw in the towel, halting the world title contest.
After dethroning Shawn Porter to claim the IBF title in 2014, Brook subsequently defended the belt three times beating mandatory foes Jo Jo Dan and Kevin Bizier. Not to mention smashing Frankie Gavin inside six rounds in a massively over-matched bout.
His promoter Eddie Hearn was hoping to secure a lucrative bout with fellow Brit Amir Khan, though the fight failed to materialise but Brook is now set for his toughest test at welterweight.
(Spence putting a beating on Phil Lo Greco. Image: PA)
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Meanwhile, Spence has rose to prominence with his displays in the States. But the sport really took notice following his complete destruction of ex-world title challenger Chris Algieri.
Algieri went the full 12-rounds with both Manny Pacquiao then Amir Khan though lasted just the five rounds with the budding superstar. Yet he claimed his No.1 mandatory spot by beating Italian veteran Leonard Bundu.
2017 has already seen a huge welterweight clash go down. WBA holder Keith Thurman fought WBC kingpin Danny Garcia in March, with Thurman becoming the unified champion after scraping a split-decision victory.
Here's a look at the welterweight landscape:
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WBA - Keith Thurman (Super) & Lamont Peterson (Regular)
WBC - Keith Thurman
IBF - Kell Brook
WBO - Manny Pacquiao
The Ring - vacant
Brook or Spence - who you got? Sound off in the comments section below.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Boxing, Errol Spence
