A month after claiming the IBF world title by snatching it away from the undefeated American Shawn Porter, Kell Brook's life flashed before his eyes as disaster struck while on holiday. But the fighter dubbed as 'Special K' fought his toughest fight as he battled his way back to welterweight supremacy.
Brook's story which includes challenging the most feared boxer in the sport to the harrowing stabbing in Tenerife epitomizes the fighting spirit he possess as he sets his sights on facing another budding American talent.
The 31-year-old's dream became a reality on a humid California night as he dethroned Porter to become world champion.
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Though the ecstasy was replaced with agony just a month later. Brook was repeatedly stabbed in the leg while on a celebratory getaway as he feared he would never walk again let alone box.
The horrific attack, which left him in a pool of his own blood, prompted emergency surgery. Death stared him right in the face. Yet after intensive rehab, Brook not only returned to the ring but also successfully defended his world title three times.
Taking out modest opposition left boxing fans wanting more. A test. Someone who would actually throw back. Just how good is he? While promoter Eddie Hearn would beat the drum, fans were left unconvinced despite his heroics in the States.
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What better way to create enormous buzz by putting him in with the unified middleweight world champion Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin. Brook would move up not one but TWO weights to face the US-based Kazakh destroyer.
Following arch-rival Amir Khan's venture to uncharted territory against 'Canelo' Alvarez, Brook followed suit, and more, to face the WBC, IBF and WBA title holder.
Brook gets consoled by Dominic Ingle after he throws in the towel.Image: PA
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But the calculated risk ultimately proved unsuccessful as he suffered his first defeat though was heralded for the valiant display. Dominic Ingle, Brook's head coach, decision to pull his fighter from the contest didn't allow his star pupil to be added to Golovkin's highlight-reel of knockout's, yet did boost his profile.
Hence the calculated risk.
Brook has been left licking his wounds as he returns to action as he faces his mandatory challenger. But unlike Jo Jo Dan and Kevin Bizier, the governing body have put forward a brilliant fighter.
Enter Errol Spence. The former Olympian failed to produce as an amateur though is excelling in the paid ranks while getting his first crack at world honours.
Brook with the IBF title around his shoulder at Bramall Lane ahead of his world title fight. Image: PA
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Since turning professional, Spence has reeled off 21 consecutive wins, rampaging his way to the No.1 contender position.
However, he makes the trip across the pond, and competes on British soil for the first time since his disappointing 2012 Olympic campaign.
What's more, he'll have to go to Brook's backyard. After consistently selling out the Sheffield Arena, Brook has graduated from the 7,000-seater arena to a 30,000-seater football stadium.
Bramall Lane, home to Brook's boyhood club Sheffield United but more affectionately known as the 'Blades' with their local links with steel, will host the world title fight with a raucous crowd eager for Spence's scalp.
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As well as the IBF title, welterweight supremacy is on the line. Big fight, bigger stakes - Brook vs. Spence is moments away.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Boxing, Errol Spence
