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Eddie Hearn says Kell Brook's IBF title defence against Errol Spence Jr is more risky than Amir Khan fight

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Promoter Eddie Hearn says Kell Brook's next opponent Errol Spence Jr will be 'five times tougher' than Amir Khan.

Kell Brook's IBF title defence against Errol Spence Jr is far more dangerous than a British battle with Amir Khan, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

IBF champion Brook has agreed to make the next defence of his IBF title against mandatory challenger Spence Jr, with Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground being considered as a venue on a preferred date of May 27.

'The Special One' switched his attention to Spence Jr after talks for a long awaited domestic clash with Khan broke down and Hearn insists the unbeaten American is "five times tougher".

Kell Brook, Amir Khan
Image: Brook and Amir Khan were unable to agree terms for a British battle

"The Amir Khan fight was there on a plate," Hearn told Sky Sports News HQ. "Let me tell you, this fight is five times tougher than Amir Khan, and this isn't really about the money for Kell Brook.

"He has been called out that he would duck this fight against Errol Spence, particularly by Amir Khan, and he says no, that's not my style, I'm fighting Errol Spence in front of my people. I'm going to defend my belt with pride and honour."

Kell Brook, Eddie Hearn
Image: Eddie Hearn says the Sheffield man could be recognised as the world's best welterweight

Khan had claimed he could still face Brook, if he defeats Spence Jr, but Hearn insists his fighter's career has been stalled too much already by talk of the British battle.

"I think at Kell's age in his career, he's really in his prime now, we cannot wait around for time wasters," said Hearn.

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"Amir Khan has talked and talked and talked. He's tried to make a deal and priced himself out of the fight, because he doesn't want to lose to Kell Brook.

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"Khan is a very good fighter, but he knows he will get beaten by Brook and when he gets knocked out by Brook that's the end of it. We have been waiting a long time for this fight and we can't base our career around him.

"I believe and Kell believes that beating Spence will make him stand out as the No 1 fighter in the division, and then I still don't think Amir Khan will want it, because something in his head does not want to enter the ring with Kell Brook. We have to move on and we must not deal with time wasters."

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 28:  Welterweight fighter Errol Spence Jr. celebrates after knocking out Alejandro Barrera during the Premier Boxing Champions at Bom
Image: Spence Jr has been hailed as one of the hottest fighters in America

Spence Jr holds an impressive unbeaten record, but could be forced to challenge the champion at his hometown football club.

Hearn said: "Now we are finalising the date and the venue. Bramall Lane is of course the preferred option, we're in talks with the club, and we think we'll get a positive solution.

"I think May 27 at the moment is the favourite date and over the next few days we'll be meeting with the club, and also the council as well to try and get this dream fight booked in for Kell. It's a dream of his to box at Bramall Lane and I think this is the perfect fight to do it."

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