Yorkshire boxer Brook planning title defence

Kell Brook hopes to make the first of two defences of his IBF welterweight title before the end of this summer on May 30.
Kell Brook is keen to defend his title.Kell Brook is keen to defend his title.
Kell Brook is keen to defend his title.

The Sheffield fighter retained his world crown with a four-round demolition job of mandatory challenger Jo Jo Dan over the weekend, his first bout since being stabbed in the leg last September.

After coming through his homecoming encounter unscathed on Saturday, Brook is keen to make up for lost time.

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His promoters Matchroom have a card at London’s O2 Arena in just under two months, when British pair Lee Selby and Kevin Mitchell will challenge for world titles of their own, and Brook is keen to make an outing.

“Saturday night was fantastic and I want to capitalise on that win,” said Brook. “I came out injury-free and the leg felt great, so I want to box as soon as possible.

“I said before the fight that I have kept the fans waiting too long - I don’t want that to happen again.

“I have told Eddie Hearn to get me out as soon as possible and I want to fight twice before the end of the summer, starting at the end of May.”

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Brook immediately called out British rival Amir Khan on Saturday in a bout that could be scheduled for Wembley Stadium, but the Bolton man has told the unbeaten 28-year-old to be patient.

While Khan is rumoured to be fighting Adrien Broner next month, Brook has been linked with summer showdowns against veteran Mexican star Juan Manuel Marquez and Brandon Rios.

Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “The plan now is to build on the momentum of Saturday.

“Originally we were planning Kell’s next fight for July but he is itching to fight again and we could bring him back as early as May.

“It’s been a frustrating period for him but there is no stopping Kell now and we want to get him back in action as soon as possible.”