Kell Brook makes return to the ring at Sheffield’s FlyDSA Arenain February 2020

Kell Brook (left) and Michael Zerafa batstle at the FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield, last December. Picture: Nick Potts/PA

The former IBF welterweight champion (38-2, 26 KOs) last fought a year ago when he defeated Australia’s Michael Zerafa on points.

The Sheffield fighter, trained by Dominic Ingle, will be aiming to overcome any ring rust against DeLuca at the FlyDSA Arena on February 8 as he attempts to put his name back into the mix for a world title shot next year.

“I’m so happy to be back and I can’t wait to put on a performance for my city on February 8 live on Sky Sports and DAZN,” said Brook.

“I’ve had a year out, there has been some dark times but what I’ve realised is I love this sport and I know I have some of my biggest years left in the game.

“DeLuca is a strong, gutsy fighter who is always ready for war but I’m planning on putting on a statement and showing the world that I’m still a force at 154 or 147lbs.”

American DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs) is a southpaw hailing from Whitman in Massachusetts and is nicknamed ‘The Bazooka’.

Lower down on the bill, Kid Galahad, who lost on points to Josh Warrington earlier this year, will take on Claudio Marrero in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown.

“Every opponent at this level has to be respected and that’s what I’ll do,” said Galahad. “He’s a game kid in a life changing fight, similar to me. So it will be a tough night but I’ll prepare fully.”