Brook stepping up bid to become two-weight world champion

Kell Brook will begin his move to super-welterweight by fighting Sergey Rabchenko at Sheffield Arena on March 3.
Kell Brook returns to action in Sheffield in MarchKell Brook returns to action in Sheffield in March
Kell Brook returns to action in Sheffield in March

The 31-year-old in May lost his IBF welterweight title to America’s Errol Spence and, after his long-term struggle to make the 147lb weight limit, will fight the Belarussian who ended the career of former stablemate Ryan Rhodes.

His step up to 154lbs provides a further barrier to making the fight he has long wanted with Amir Khan, who is expected to return at welterweight, but gives him the chance to be a two-weight world champion.

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“The Spence defeat cut deep and it took me some time to come to terms with it but now I’m back with a new challenge at 154lbs,” said Brook. “I will be stronger and better than ever in the division and my focus now is on becoming a two-weight world champion.

“Rabchenko is a dangerous fight for the return but I want to jump straight back in at world level and our styles will gel for an electric fight. I’m already deep in camp and I can’t wait to feel the atmosphere again in my home town on March 3.”

Rabchenko, also 31, said: “I’m really looking forward to this fight with Kell Brook and it’s going to be a war. I have fond memories of Sheffield and I believe the result will be the same (as against Rhodes). This is a high-profile fight in the division that has always been mine, and the winner will go on and challenge for the world title. It’s a must win fight for both of us.”

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