Kell Brook staying at welterweight with Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence in line
Friday 11 November 2016 11:25, UK
Kell Brook is staying at welterweight with Manny Pacquiao top of his hit-list.
The IBF world champion was contemplating moving up to the 154lbs division after taking on middleweight king Gennady Golovkin but has decided to remain at 147lbs.
Brook's mandatory challenger is American Errol Spence but with Pacquiao picking up the WBO title last weekend and Amir Khan still in his sights, the Special One is happy to stay put.
"I had a meeting with Eddie Hearn on Wednesday and told him I am not prepared to give up my title," he said.
"I know there are options at 154lbs and I may even be more suited there but I am not willing to give up what I fought so hard for.
"I want the unification fights but if they aren't there then it will be Spence next for me in a big UK show."
Hearn still believes a deal with Khan can be done, with both Brook and his bitter rival saying they will meet at welterweight.
I know there are options at 154lbs and I may even be more suited there but I am not willing to give up what I fought so hard for
But with Pacquiao now back in the world title mix and unbeaten Spence one of America's biggest prospects, the Matchroom promoter is expecting a big year for the Sheffield star.
"I spoke through various options with Kell and he was adamant that he would not relinquish his welterweight world title," said Hearn.
"In an ideal world, he would unify the division against Manny Pacquiao but the Spence fight is also one that really excites him and fight fans.
"That could be a big fight here in the UK and with the 75-25 split in place we would be very confident of bringing that fight to Sheffield."
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