Brook vs Spence Jr: Our experts' predictions on the world welterweight title fight
Saturday 27 May 2017 23:31, UK
Will Kell Brook punch too hard for Errol Spence Jr? Or will the challenger's body shots hurt the champ? We asked some special guests for their predictions...
Floyd Mayweather
Errol is a hell of a fighter, we sparred and he gave me good work. If he can fight in the later rounds, I lean towards him.
If Spencer Jr can fight in the later rounds, I lean towards him.
I know your guy Brook can fight and boxed real good against Gennady Golovkin, so we've got a great fight on our hands.
Sugar Ray Leonard
Spence is one of those fighters that can fight and he knows when to pull back and hold. He is a natural. And Kell Brook also has something you cannot teach - his chin. Everyone doesn't have the power of Gennady Golovkin, but he took it.
I came in liking Spence Jr but watching what I've seen of Kell Brook, it could easily be him.
Someone has said it's a 50-50 and I can go along with that too because of the intangibles - for both fighters. I came in liking Spence Jr but watching what I've seen of Kell Brook, it could easily be him. I wouldn't put my house on it, that's for sure.
Shawn Porter
He's made an impression on the Americans back home and has had a lot of exposure from a young age. The only questions we have for Errol Spence will be answered on Saturday. Is he ready for this magnitude of fan-base that will be screaming on Saturday?
I think there's going to be a lot of fun and I think both guys have got what it takes to win the fight. I think Errol Spence is going to do it. I am surprised he is the bookies' favourite as he's had a very young career and he's going up against a guy that took the belt from a very good, strong boxer.
Keith Thurman
It depends on how Brook wants to perform in his own town. Is he going to box a certain way? Is he going to try and show Errol Spence Jr he just can't go over there and take his belt?
It depends on how Brook wants to perform in his own town. Is he going to box a certain way?
I see Spence Jr starting off at a good tempo, building up the rounds, but I am just interested to see that. Kell is going to use that jab of his and sneak in some crafty right hands and we'll see who keeps landing the first few clean blows and how that affects their game.
Danny Garcia
I think it is a good fight. I think it is a 50/50 fight. I think the person with the better game plan is going to win. It is a lot of pressure to go into someone's backyard like that.
I think it is a 50/50 fight. I think the person with the better game plan is going to win.
Spence has never faced a fighter in his prime before like Brook. It is definitely a test for him and a big step up in competition. If he is ready, he can do it. He just has to go in there and stay focused.
Jamie Moore
Kell Brook wins on points. It will be a close fight - Spence Jr will have his moments, but experience will be key.
Kell Brook wins on points. It will be a close fight - Spence Jr will have his moments.
Although Spence Jr will not be out of his depth, the slight difference in class will be what pinches it for Kell. I don't think Brook will stop him, but in the championship rounds, he'll pull through.
Adam Booth
A lot of depends on Kell being able to turn it into a physical battle - and that's what he needs. But I will say right away it is a 50-50 fight and I can't pick a winner.
The first three or four rounds will decide who comes out the winner.
The first three or four rounds will decide who comes out as the winner. If Kell allows someone as polished as Spence to get into his groove and read his timing it is going to get harder and harder. It goes for both of them, it is easy to say, but whoever imposes themselves early on, they will do it.
Shane McGuigan
It's a tough fight. My heart says Brook, but my head says Spence. I think [Spence Jr] might get to him later on.
From an all-round view, looking for the complete fighter, it favours Spence. I think he's the best welterweight in the world
I just feel from an all-round view, looking for the complete fighter, it favours Spence. I think he's the best welterweight in the world - I've thought that for a long time. This is the guy who no one has wanted to fight.
Once again, Kell is being brave in stepping up to the plate. I want Kell to beat Spence, but being logical and realistic I just don't think he's going to do it.
Scott Quigg
Kell is a quality fighter and he caused Golovkin the most problems he's had. And why do you think everybody wants to fight Golovkin now? Kell started all that off and people, especially in America, have forgotten that.
I have a feeling that Kell will stop him, probably in the second half - but if it goes to points, I can see Spence doing it.
It is going to be a very close fight and Spence could even be ahead but as soon as Kell catches him, he can put him away. Whatever Spence tries to do, sooner or later Kell is going to do that. You can't go swimming without getting wet. I have a feeling that Kell will stop him, probably in the second half - but if it goes to points, I can see Spence doing it.
Kenny Porter
I am smiling because we've got a guy who imposes his will, in Errol Spence Jr. It might be a rough ride for him but not in terms of being hurt, just a technically and physically battle he's got to get to. Kell is good, very good, and does not want to give this belt away.
I honestly think [Spence Jr] going to do this - with a late stoppage too.
I know Errol and his preparation didn't start just for this Kell Brook fight. I honestly think he's going to do this - with a late stoppage too.
Dan Birmingham
There are so many ifs and buts and it is that close. I don't mind who wins but from an American angle, Spence has got to hurt Brook early to get his respect. If he does, it may be his.
I can see Brook out-boxing him and I am probably expecting him to win. He is fighting at home, he's the man with the championship.
If he doesn't I can see Brook out-boxing him and I am probably expecting him to win. He is fighting at home, he's the man with the championship, the experience and he is the more seasoned of the two. Spence might have the hunger but I am giving Brook the edge on points.
Johnny Nelson
If Kell does the weight right, he stops him late. If he gets the weight wrong, he loses because he'll run out of gas. We will tell midway through the fight if he's done the weight right.
If Kell does the weight right, he stops him late. If he gets the weight wrong, he loses.
He learned from the Carson Jones weight cut - his attitude to training was bad, he had a warning and learned something without actually losing.
Dave Coldwell
Both fighters have great timing but Kell, especially against southpaws, finds a way to land his heavy, sharp right hand. Kell is sharp with good feet and good balance.
I would edge slightly to Kell, I think he nicks it. Kell can stop him.
I would edge slightly to Kell, I think he nicks it. Kell can stop him - I've seen Spence Jr hurt before, and he hasn't fought anyone as strong as Kell.
Jim McDonnell
Everyone I have spoken to are split: one says Brook, one says Spence and some even are calling it a draw! You can flip a coin and of course, I would love to see Kell pull it off and do it in style.
It might be close but I am going for Brook, on points, just because of what he's done.
I think this goes down to whoever gets everything right, not just in the fight, but in the build-up too - and that means the weight is going to be crucial. But Brook has been there, seen it, done it, he will feel invincible after how he did against Golovkin. It might be close but I am going for Brook, on points, just because of what he's done.
Joe Gallagher
This is going to be very, very close, probably a pick 'em. Spence and his team will know they need to win and to take that title back to America, so he will be going for the knockout, especially in the second half. Brook's weight might have something to contend with, but I am siding with Kell.
The safe bet is Brook winning on a close decision, or even with some controversy.
The momentum, the occasion and the hunger and desire are there to remain a world champion and even if he does get caught, I can still see Brook coming through some bad patches and hanging on. The safe bet is Brook winning on a close decision, or even with some controversy.
Watch Brook vs Spence Jr, from Bramall Lane, Sheffield, May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the event online here or via your Sky remote.
