Kell Brook v Errol Spence Jr: Johnny Nelson reveals why Brook will STRUGGLE to defend belt
KELL BROOK will be hurt by having to get down to 147lb for his fight against Errol Spence Jr.
Kell Brook could struggle to stay strong when he is back down at welterweight, claims Johnny Nelson
The British boxer has not fought since September 2016 when he went up to middleweight (160lb) to face unbeaten three-belt champion Gennady Golovkin.
But he is now just 11 days away from his mandatory IBF welterweight title defence against Spence Jr and boxing expert Johnny Nelson reckons the drop down will be a problem.
"The weight is the issue, it's my worry,” the former cruiserweight world champion said.
"Kell is a big, strong unit so he's having to squeeze down to welterweight.
"You have to diet, you need serious discipline, you need to be on point with it.
"He's not a happy bunny when he has to get down to welterweight.
"Each time he does it, it gets harder and harder."
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Brook first won the title in California from Shawn Porter in 2014 before holding three successful defences.
Golovkin may have inflicted his first ever defeat in a 37-fight career but Brook remains unbeaten at welterweight.
Spence Jr meanwhile has also never lost in 21 bouts with all bar three of his wins coming via stoppage.
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And Nelson has revealed that the 27-year-old American's camp are hoping he will be able to work the body and capitalise on Brook's weight struggle.
"They know that, when you drag your weight down, you are weak around the mid-section," Brook added.
"Your energy levels are going to deplete in rounds six and seven.
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"He will make the weight regardless, but it depends how he makes it.
"Will he be strong?
"Spence Jr's team are expecting this fight to hinge on how Kell makes the weight, and what he looks like."