Kell Brook Expecting a Knockout in Amir Khan Fight
It’s no secret Kell “Special K” Brook (39-3, 27 KOs) despises Amir Khan (34-5, 21 KOs). The former IBF welterweight champion has long chased a match with his bitter rival. At long last, Brook gets the fight he’s desired the most as they will square off on February 19 at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
There were previous attempts to get this fight on. Yet, something always seemed to get in the way of it happening. Sum it up to the battle of fighter and managerial/promotional egos. With both men on the downward slide of their careers, something finally clicked, and a deal was struck.
Still, there were hiccups along the way. A big issue leading up to this fight is the issue of weight. After months of back-and-forth squabbling behind the scenes, the fighters agreed to fight at a catchweight of 149 pounds.
FIT AND STRONG?
Speculation has been rampant in UK circles how much of a toll will it take on Brook making that weight. He’s been a welterweight for most of his professional career. It’s a known fact that he tends to blow up in between fights. Always big for a welterweight, will he be strong and completely healthy?
At a public workout for the British media, “Special K” looked sharp as he hit the pads with trainer Brendan Ingle. Afterward, Brook addressed the weight stipulation.
“He’s made a big mistake. He’s made a big mistake by having me on for seven months with the contract. But unfortunately for him, I’ve been training in that time. That’s why I’m smiling now. I’m there with the weight. I could’ve made the weight three, four weeks ago.
I’m there, very comfortable, very happy with where I’m at […] I’ve done all the hard work being away from my family at Christmas. But, it will all be worth it on Saturday night when I’ve got my hand raised high.”
His fitness level will show itself on fight night. To hunt down the still fast and elusive Khan, the former welterweight champ needs to be in peak condition.
CONFIDENT OF VICTORY
When this fight was announced, Brook promised carnage, predicting he would stop Khan. Wearing a “No Mercy” hat, he doubled down on his earlier prediction when talking to the local press.
“I truly believe that I end this fight by knockout. I don’t train for a knockout, I don’t go out, and it’s stupid to go out looking and thinking to get a knockout. […] If I’m one hundred percent, which I am, the shuttle will just come off. I really do believe it will happen at some point of the fight.”
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
