Kell Brook Has a Lot To Prove
The Last time we saw Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) in a boxing ring was on December 8, 2018 when he defeated Michael Zarafa by a comfortable unanimous decision. However, the former IBF World Welterweight champion’s victory left a lot to be desired, as he looked ordinary at best.
Many boxing fans were critical of his performance. Even by his admission, Brook said that he was far off his game. Some critics even wondered aloud if the man known as “Special K” has slipped.
After not fighting in 2019, the 33-year-old from Sheffield, England returns to the ring on February 8 to take on Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs) at the Sheffield Arena in his hometown of Sheffield, England.
Having heard the rumblings whether he still has what it takes, Brook knows what’s on the line as he explained to Sky Sports.
“If I don’t have an unbelievable performance, it doesn’t count on February 8, I’m not happy. It’s got to be spectacular. You’ve got to go away and think ‘he’s back better than ever’. That’s what I want people to say.”
Kell Brook is fully aware his career is at a crossroads. It’s truly now or never.
Feeling refreshed after a year off, Brook claims to be rejuvenated and more focused than ever. His goal for 2020 is to get back on the mountaintop and once again become a world champion.
He’s only fought twice since losing the IBF 147-pound strap to Errol Spence Jr in May 2017. Having talked of wanting a rematch with Spence or to finally face long-time rival Amir Khan, he can’t put himself in position for those potential fights if he doesn’t put on an eye-opening performance against DeLuca.
Brook-DeLuca will be shown live on DAZN. Can the former world champ capture the form that carried him to the verge of potential boxing stardom, or has time and opportunity passed him by? At this point, it’s all a wait-and-see.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
