In less than 2 weeks, UK’s Kell Brook will risk his perfect record, against undefeated IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Brook has been waiting for almost two years for his title show, after injuries to his opponent and himself delayed his title opportunity. I recently spoke with Kell Brook and got his views on watching the belt change hands and be defended. I also talked to Kell about potentially fighting Amir Khan if he is able to take Porter’s title. Here is what Kell Brook had to say.
Jenna J: You had some delays with the Devon Alexander fight, but you made good use of it. You took on a very tough contender in Vyacheslav Senchenko and you beat him quite easily. What did that fight do for you and your confidence level?
Kell Brook: I think it was the right fight. I think overall, getting Senchenko out of there in four rounds, I think it was appealing for the fans and for my career. I think it was a good performance overall.
Jenna J: When you were sitting on the outside looking at Alexander and he had that fight with Shawn Porter, how surprised were you that he lost the title to Porter?
Kell Brook: I wasn’t shocked because anything can happen in boxing. I think there’s a blueprint with Devon, like many boxers, that’s to smother him because he likes to keep that distance and be on the backfoot. When I was watching it, I wasn’t too shocked.
Jenna J: Some people were quite surprised when Shawn Porter took out Paulie Malignaggi. What were your thoughts on that particular fight?
Kell Brook: Yeah I remember watching that fight. I didn’t expect that, he can crush you with his shots. Knowing that Malignaggi had been in with Cotto and other big names, and other big punchers, and no one had managed to ever stop him, I was slightly surprised knowing that Shawn Porter hadn’t knocked anybody out in two years before that. It was a bit of a shock to me.
Jenna J: I know you’re aware of how bit it would be if you were to win this title belt. An all UK fight between you and Amir Khan would be quite interesting. Do you have that in the back of your mind?
Kell Brook: Of course, of course it could be interesting and it is on my mind. I know that this is the key to Fort Knox. It’s a massive money fight out there, not just Amir Khan but international fights like Mayweather, Pacquiao. I think people in America and around the world will take note after beating Shawn Porter.
Jenna J: When American fight fans get to see you in this fight, what do you think they’ll be surprised about most?
Kell Brook: I don’t think they’ll be surprised, I think everybody’s gonna see what Kell Brook can really do. Everyone around the world is gonna see why they do call me ‘The Special One.’ You’re gonna see me at my best.
Brook discussing the struggles of getting a world title shot
Kell Brook: It’s been very frustrating for me. I’ve been in line for the title before and injuries caused the delays. I’ve been on the backburner, trying to fit fights in between but I’m on to a new chapter now.
Shawn Porter looked good in his defense against Malignaggi — he took care of him, which no one has done before. He’s proven he’s a worthy champion. I think I’m more than ready. I’ve been training very hard for this fight. As my record shows, I’m 32-0, that’s what I like to do, win. I’m coming over there and giving it my all.
Brook on being one of the most skilled opponents Porter has faced
Kell Brook: I think he knows he’s up against someone who’s 32-0, who’s passionate of becoming world champion. He’s probably seen the cat-like reactions that I have. I’m a big welterweight and I’m strong and determined. I’m not coming to lay down, I’m coming to lay it on the line. I’m coming to take that title and he knows that it’s gonna be like that.
Brook talks about getting a fair decision from the judges in America
Kell Brook: I think the world is gonna be watching, it’s a hot division. To win is gonna be winning clearly. Obviously it plays into your mind, I’m not a myth in my own country. I think in this fight it’s gonna be so clear who the winner is, there’s not gonna be any doubts.
Brook explaining why he felt Porter was hesitant to fight him
Kell Brook: This fight is high risk, low reward. If they could pick, they definitely would not pick Kell Brook. I’m the mandatory for that title, so there’s nowhere to go now.
Brook on having faced fighters with Porter’s style
Kell Brook: I’ve fought every kind of style. I’ve been boxing twenty years now and I think I’ve been in there with any style there is. His style is not gonna surprise me, I’ve dealt with that style. Boxing to me comes naturally.
Kells is a good chap, im backing him to outwork Porter, the decision is what concerns me. I can see this being a close type of fight where Kell wins about 8 rounds, but thats when the judges go crazy and give atrocious scores. Hope im wrong
Shawn Porter sucks
And who are you? Do you fight your a pretender bitch
Porter sparred with Paquiao for many years so he will win
Shawn is too much for this guy, he is the real credible threat to Mayweather because he has LEGIT power and speed