Wednesday 22 March 2017 14:50, UK
After Kell Brook's IBF title defence against Errol Spence Jr was confirmed, we asked The Panel to give their verdict on a dangerous American opponent.
'The Special One' has moved back down to welterweight to defend his IBF belt against mandatory challenger Spence Jr at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium on May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Spence Jr, who holds a perfect 21-fight record, has been hailed as a future star and we asked our experts to assess a risky world title fight for the hometown hero.
Errol is one of the most talented prospects in the US, but he's untested at this level, so we'll have to see how he reacts when he's hit by a sharp puncher like Kell.
He's a terrific body puncher with solid hand speed and he knows how to open you up.
The thing that impresses me about Errol is his composure in the ring, his style, his balance. He's a terrific body puncher with solid hand speed, and he knows how to open you up. He makes his own openings very well.
If Kell is struggling at the weight, Errol's terrific body punching could come into play, but the question mark is what happens when Brook hits him, because he hasn't been hit a lot. He hasn't fought anybody like Kell and hasn't been hit a lot by the level of opposition that he's fought. Kell doesn't just hit - he really hits! And he hits with sharp power.
Yes he is the real deal, he is unbeaten in 21 fights and in the boxing world they say he is the heir apparent and is a tough, tough fight. His biggest win was against Chris Algieri, who lost to Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan.
You might have thought after Gennady Golovkin Kell would come back with a soft touch, but he's coming back with the toughest touch in his division.
This boy can box and he can bang and this is a big, big test for Kell as a world champion because you have to take on all-comers and he is the mandatory challenger so he won't be a pushover. You might have thought after Gennady Golovkin Kell would come back with a soft touch, but he's coming back with the toughest touch in his division.
I wouldn't put Errol Spence Jr up with Gennady Golovkin of course, but at welterweight I do think he is the most dangerous opponent Brook will have faced. There is the unknown about him because he hasn't boxed at the same level as Kell, but potentially he is a superstar in the making.
It is a risk, especially when you put it against his last mandatory defence, but a calculated risk. He is a phenomenal fighter and I think it all makes sense.
But don't forget Kell is experienced, a well-schooled fighter, and I'd imagine they would fight Spence now, rather than 12 months down the line because he is going to get better. It is a risk, especially when you put it against his last mandatory defence, but a calculated risk. He is a phenomenal fighter and I think it all makes sense.
The one issue is whether Kell has grown out of the welterweight division. I am not sure that after boxing up at middleweight that he can get back down to 147lbs. The fight on the scales can be harder than the one in the ring.
I think Spence is the best all-round fighter he could've fought right now. I've said for a long time now, I think Errol Spence is the future of American boxing and is their future star. But is it just that little bit too early for him? Is he ready to take on Kell Brook?
If the American proves to be as good as I've always thought, then he is an elite level fighter and that makes this such a hard fight.
Ability-wise he checks every single box, but he has not faced someone who is expecting to win. Kell will have 100 per cent belief that he will beat Spence. But if the American proves to be as good as I've always thought, then he is an elite level fighter and that makes this such a hard fight.
What worries me about Kell is going back down to welterweight. It just reminds me of what happened to Roy Jones Jr when he went up to heavyweight. He beat John Ruiz then came all the way back down to light-heavyweight - not even stopping at cruiserweight - and was never the same fighter again.
If he can go back down all the way and remain strong and be the best version of Kell Brook, he wins the fight.
It's one of the best fights out there in a booming welterweight division. I think Spence Jr is one of the top kids out there, but I think he will be one of the best in the future. He is a big prospect and someone who will be very good in a few years to come with a lot more experience.
I've got him as the favourite for the fight and I think he will do the job, but he has to prepare for this fight like when he won the title.
He's obviously ready for this fight, he feels he will win this fight, so he has taken the step up now. Kell's experience should give him the edge. I've got him as the favourite for the fight and I think he will do the job, but he has to prepare for this fight like when he won the title.
Watch Kell Brook vs Errol Spence Jr, live from Bramall Lane, on Sky Sports Box Office, Saturday, May 27.
