Kell Brook eyes Amir Khan showdown after title win
KELL BROOK set up British boxing for a blockbuster domestic clash against Amir Khan after winning the world welterweight title from American Shawn Porter in his own back yard.
Sheffield's unbeaten Brook secured a memorable triumph by scoring a majority points victory over formerly undefeated Porter to take the IBF version of the belt in Los Angeles.
He then immediately issued a challenge to the two-time light-welterweight champion Khan, whom he has accused of dodging him for several years, leading to a bitter relationship between the two men.
Brook, who has now won all 33 of his professional contests, said: "The British public want to see it. He will probably start saying something else now - that I need to win another world title. But believe me, Queen Khan is getting it.
"He has been putting things on Twitter, bless him, putting 'best of luck'. But I know he doesn't like me."
Khan, who analysed the fight in the studio for Sky Sports, said: "Kell thought I would say no to that fight but I am agreeing to it. I will take the fight with both hands. I am a young fighter and I want to give the British fans what they want. Come on, let's get it on."
Iv just thought "I'm the champion of the world" #AndtheNEW pic.twitter.com/Oxu7EeC2Ai
— Kell Brook (@SpecialKBrook) August 17, 2014
Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn, who staged the 80,000 sell-out re-match between Carl Froch and George Groves at Wembley in May, is certain the collosion of Britain's two world-class welterweights could fill a football stadium, with Sheffield United's Bramall Lane already suggested.
Even so, Brook, 28, may now find himself in the orbit of welterweight super-star, Floyd Mayweather junior, who will select another hand-picked opponent if he wins his re-match against Marcos Maidana in September.
Khan is also seeking a money-spinning date with Mayweather and it is sure that either fighter would leap at the chance of meeting the WBC and WBA champion ahead of a domestic clash.
Brook, who was cut in the second round, added: "Since I was nine years old, I've been training to be a champion. You're going to see me in some mega fights now. I'm the champion; Floyd Mayweather will be watching this. Amir Khan can get in the queue."