Brook aims to dazzle Sheffield crowd

The 27-year-old puts his unbeaten record on the line against the Ukrainian, Ricky Hatton’s final conqueror, still fuelled by the frustration of having his shot at a welterweight world title against IBF champion Devon Alexander ended by injury.

That fight was postponed three times earlier this year, twice due to injuries to Brook and once to the American, before it was scrapped altogether.

And while the Briton won his return and rematch with Carson Jones in Hull in July, Alexander is now set to fight Khan in December, with the Bolton man due to step up from light-welterweight, having seemingly taken his compatriot’s place in the queue.

Instead Brook’s focus is on beating Senchenko at the Motorpoint Arena on October 26, knowing victory is vital to help put him in line for a possible fight against the winner of Alexander and Khan.

“I am not just after the win, I am wanting to put on a performance,” Brook said. “I want to razzle and dazzle, I want look good and take him apart.”

Brook promised he was “ready for whatever kind of fight it turns out to be” and admitted the on-off saga with Alexander had added to his motivation.

He said: “They say everything’s meant for a reason, but I can’t see the positive side to what’s gone on. But I’m on to a new chapter in my career and it starts by beating Senchenko and moving on to massive fights after that.

“It’s made me more hungry for what I want, to be a world champion. It’s given me that push, people doubting me and saying all kinds of things has driven me on to perform and to train hard.”

It is difficult not to look ahead to a potential showdown with domestic rival Khan, though.

“I don’t think he’s worthy (of the Alexander fight), but there’s politics in boxing,” added Brook. “I’d destroy him, he’s not even boxed at welterweight.

“But that’s a different story. When my time comes - and it will come - you’ll see what I’m taking about.

“Of course I’d be routing for Khan to win and if that makes our fight even bigger than it is already then let’s do it.

“I see Devon winning the fight, but it is a tough fight, it could go either way, it depends who’s got the best game plan and who sticks to it.”

Brook has a tough challenge of his own next month, with promoter Eddie Hearn terming it “by far the toughest test of his career”.

Senchenko is a former WBA champion, with just a solitary loss on his record, to Paulie Malignaggi, from 34 fights, and that down to cuts.

On his last visit to Britain, the Ukrainian ended Hatton’s career by knocking out the Manchester fighter on his comeback last November and Brook is taking nothing for granted.

He said: “He’s going to be tough, durable. I know I’ve got my work cut out, but I’m willing to put the work in and do the job.

“He was my hero growing up, Ricky Hatton and seeing him in that fight, the way it ended, was upsetting. I’m not saying I’m dedicating this fight to Ricky Hatton, but I’m getting revenge for him.

“For myself I want to make a statement in this fight and show the people I can fight and I do deserve to be at the top.”