Tuesday 16 May 2017 15:17, UK
Kell Brook deserves more credit for accepting Errol Spence Jr’s challenge than for fighting Gennady Golovkin. Sky Sports explain...
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Watch Brook vs Spence Jr, from Bramall Lane, Sheffield, May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office. You can book the event online here.
