Errol Spence Jr is still one fight away from being mandatory challenger to IBF champion Kell Brook
Tuesday 19 April 2016 10:55, UK
The IBF has confirmed that Errol Spence Jr is still one fight away from becoming mandatory challenger to Kell Brook.
The highly-rated American enhanced his reputation with a fifth-round stoppage win against Chris Algieri at the weekend and called for a clash with IBF welterweight champion Brook.
But the IBF has informed Spence Jr that he must face Konstantin Ponomarev in a final eliminator for a shot at Brook's title.
IBF championships chairman Lindsey E Tucker told Sky Sports: "Errol Spence is the No 2 contender.
"We just ordered Errol Spence and the No 3 contender Konstantin Ponomarev to start negotiating for the eliminator for the No 1 and the mandatory position."
Spence Jr has a perfect 20 fight record, with 17 stoppages, while Russian Ponomarev is also yet to suffer a defeat in his 30 fights.
Brook will not have to start negotiations for his next mandatory until October and can make a voluntary defence against any other contender within the top 15 of the organisation's rankings.
