Wednesday 22 March 2017 17:24, UK
Kell Brook will defend his IBF welterweight title against Errol Spence Jr at Bramall Lane Stadium in Sheffield on May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
IBF champion Brook will battle mandatory challenger Spence Jr in front of his local fans at the home of Sheffield United Football Club.
'The Special One' has returned to the 147lbs division after his courageous defeat to middleweight king Gennady Golovkin in September 2016 and warned Spence Jr will be on the receiving end as he proves he is the best welterweight in the world.
All I've ever wanted to do is to give the fans the fights they want and they have it right here on May 27 - I'm going to show the world that I'm the best welterweight on the planet.
I feel that this is one of the best and biggest fights in world boxing and I am 100 per cent focused and determined to bring the belt back home to the USA
"I'm so excited about this fight and also about making history in my city," said Brook.
"It's long been a dream of mine to fight outdoors at Bramall Lane and I'm pleased to do that in the biggest fight in the welterweight division. I saw many people talk about how I would avoid Errol Spence - they don't know me, they don't know what I'm about.
"All I've ever wanted to do is to give the fans the fights they want and they have it right here on May 27 - I'm going to show the world that I'm the best welterweight on the planet and I'm going to do it right before my people's eyes."
Spence has worked his way up the IBF rankings in style, stopping Chris Algieri and Leonard Bundu in five and six rounds respectively, to take his KO rate to 86 per cent.
The Texas-based southpaw, known as 'The Truth', will be boxing outside America for the first time since turning professional, but having fought at the London 2012 Olympics he is confident of taking the IBF strap back across the pond.
"I'm happy I'm finally getting an opportunity to accomplish a lifelong dream of becoming a world champion," said Spence.
"I feel that this is one of the best and biggest fights in world boxing and I am 100 per cent focused and determined to bring the belt back home to the USA - on May 27 I will be more than ready."
Brook is a lifelong Sheffield United fan and has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and fight on the hallowed turf of his favourite team.
'The Blades' are currently top of League One and are unbeaten in their last nine games, six points clear of Bolton, the home of Brook's bitter rival Amir Khan.
"This is great news for Kell and Sheffield United," said Sheffield United director Scott McCabe.
"We have been working with Matchroom for some time to bring this high-profile fight to our Bramall Lane stadium where we have exciting plans to stage further significant events utilising the high-standard facilities that have been developed by the Club in recent years."
With Sheffield United also leading League One's average attendances, promoter Eddie Hearn is expecting another bumper night on Sky Sports Box Office.
"This is one of the best fights in world boxing," he said.
"Many believed that Kell Brook would look to avoid Errol Spence but he is a proud man who never ducks a challenge. Coming off the fight with Golovkin this is an extremely tough fight to come back to but I believe Kell Brook is the best welterweight in the world and he will have the chance to prove it on May 27.
"It's 'The Special One' vs 'The Truth', an historic event at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane - we are planning an unforgettable night."
Watch Kell Brook vs Errol Spence Jr live on Sky Sports Box Office from Bramall Lane on May 27, following the world heavyweight showdown Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium, on April 29.
