Golovkin vs Brook: Kell Brook can become pound-for-pound No 1, says Eddie Hearn
Saturday 10 September 2016 23:41, UK
Eddie Hearn believes Kell Brook should be recognised as the world's No 1 fighter if he produces a stunning upset victory over Gennady Golovkin.
The IBF welterweight champion has climbed two weight divisions to challenge Golovkin, the world's top middleweight, on Saturday night at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Golovkin is considered the pound-for-pound best fighter by many boxing experts following the retirement of Floyd Mayweather and holds an impressive 35-fight unbeaten record, featuring 32 explosive stoppage wins.
Brook is also yet to suffer a defeat in 36 fights and his promoter Hearn hopes 'The Special One' can become a worldwide star by toppling 'GGG'.
"That's why he's taking this fight. The gamble of becoming the No 1 fighter in world, pound-for-pound," Hearn told Sky Sports.
"Golovkin is the No 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Some agree some don't. The majority agree. Therefore if Kell beats him, he's No 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
"That's why we're taking this fight, to make that step, to become that global star. To become a global star, you've got to take risks.
I'm not saying Golovkin is not skilful, he's incredibly skilful, but he doesn't have the skills - in my opinion - of Brook or a Mayweather.
"You can't just wake-up in the morning, beat some bloke who is 26-5 and become the greatest fighter in the world. You've got to go and do something out of the ordinary and that is beating Gennady Golovkin."
Hearn doubts whether Mayweather would have taken a similar risk as Brook, but insists the Sheffield fighter has a perfect platform to display a similar masterclass as the American.
Asked if Mayweather would have fought Golovkin, Hearn said: "I don't think so. I think Mayweather beats Golovkin, because skill outweighs the power. I'm not saying Golovkin is not skilful, he's incredibly skilful, but he doesn't have the skills - in my opinion - of Brook or a Mayweather.
"I would love to have seen Mayweather against Golovkin. I have always felt that Kell Brook could end his career undefeated, he's that good. We've seen stuff in the gym, but I've never expected him to fight Gennady Golovkin.
"I don't think there is a welterweight that would beat Kell Brook. But now he's moving up to middleweight where I think he will be a better fighter.
"If he wins, it's huge. That's what the gamble is, that's what you're playing for. You're not playing for a good win, you're playing to be the best and cement your legacy in the sport."
Watch Gennady Golovkin v Kell Brook, live on Sky Sports Box Office from The O2, on September 10. Book the event via your Sky remote or online here.
