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Kell Brook vs Errol Spence Jr: Kell Brook takes the risk and reward approach...again

BROOK-SPENCE PRESS CONFERENCE

Kell Brook deserves more credit for accepting Errol Spence Jr’s challenge than for fighting Gennady Golovkin. Sky Sports explain...

Brook vs Spence Jr on Box Office
Brook vs Spence Jr on Box Office

The IBF welterweight champion defends at his beloved Bramall Lane.

Dare to be great? Kell Brook emerged bruised and battered from his Gennady Golovkin adventure, but the respect he earned for undertaking such a gargantuan task softened the blow of his undefeated record being blasted away.

'The Truth' hurts, and the truth is that Errol Spence Jr represents an even more significant threat to Brook's reputation.

Kell Brook v Errol Spence Jr - Tale of the Tape
Image: Kell Brook v Errol Spence Jr - Tale of the Tape

Golovkin's sheer might, and his size advantage, was an obvious obstacle for Brook to tackle but the danger is more subtle with Spence Jr. The American is a tricky test that was avoidable, despite his mandatory status, so Brook again merits credit for welcoming a more difficult fight than necessary.

The unbeaten Spence Jr has tip-toed to the front of the line in the IBF rankings saying 'please' and 'thank you' along his way but don't mistake his lack of volatility for timidity.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16:  Errol Spence Jr. knocks out Chris Algieri in the fifth round during their welterwieght bout at Barclays Center on April 16, 2016
Image: Errol Spence Jr is the No 1 IBF welterweight challenger

His most recent two wins were swift stoppages of Chris Algieri and Leonard Bundu, rugged opposition that previously went 12 rounds with Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman, respectively. Spence Jr, it seems, struck harder than the two welterweight world champions.

But the lingering danger behind Spence Jr's relaxed attitude lies with the whispers in gym corridors. Go to Las Vegas and ask anybody who knows anybody, and you will hear about the sparring sessions when Spence Jr gave Floyd Mayweather a black eye then flattened Adrien Broner. What's the truth?

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Sky Sports' Adam Smith and Johnny Nelson insist Kell Brook shouldn't underestimate Errol Spence Jr

Brook doesn't seem to care. The creator of his own destiny, Brook rivals Tony Bellew's willingness to toss aside logic and stare into the face of danger.

There is plenty to gain for the ambitious Yorkshireman. Back-to-back major fights (Spence Jr is widely accepted as one of the world's premier fighters without a world title) mean there's no turning back for Brook. Win this, and a myriad of mouth-watering opportunities open.

Kell Brook
Image: Kell Brook would like to fight in the USA if he gets past Errol Spence Jr, says Eddie Hearn

Amir Khan may find himself shoved into a corner by the announcement of Brook vs Spence Jr. Himself the victim of a stoppage loss against the much larger Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in his last outing, in a fight with similarities to Brook-Golovkin, Khan may now feel the heat to solidify a dangerous fight of his own.

If he doesn't, then it dramatically strengthens Brook's hand in any negotiations for the future clash that both men claim to desire.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Amir Khan during a media workout at the English Institute of Sport on April 24, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Scott
Image: Amir Khan finds himself in a corner, following the announcement

The 147lbs division is awash with exciting duels in the early exchanges of 2017 - with Brook, the longest-reigning champion at welterweight, putting himself at the forefront.

"Kell quite likes the idea of fighting in America," Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports News HQ. "He beat Shawn Porter there."

There is no lack of US-based contenders for Brook to get his teeth into if he beats Spence Jr. WBA and WBC title-holder Thurman is still unbeaten after taking the belt belonging to Danny Garcia, who in turn has beaten Khan. Pacquiao, who was also in tentative talks with Khan, would be a stunning unification fight for Brook.

Manny Pacquiao
Image: Manny Pacquiao has been in talks with Amir Khan

It all starts with Spence Jr, the most threatening American visitor to UK shores since Terence Crawford shone in Glasgow against Ricky Burns. Going through the meat-grinder of facing Golovkin, however, should prepare Brook for anything.

But the perils of fighting Spence Jr are more well-hidden than Golovkin, and that's what makes 'The Truth' so hard to read for Kell Brook.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10:  Gennady Golovkin (blue trunks) and Kell Brook (red trunks) in action during their World Middleweight Title contest at The
Image: Gennady Golovkin did what we expected but can Kell Brook work out Spence Jr?

Watch Brook vs Spence Jr, from Bramall Lane, Sheffield, May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office. You can book the event online here.

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