Brook close to fulfilling uncle's prophecy

LONDON: Britain's Kell Brook said Thursday he hopes to fulfil his uncle's prophecy in his IBF welterweight world title defence in Sheffield, England this weekend against American Errol Spence Junior.

The 31-year-old -- who has had to lose weight for the bout after a fifth round loss to Kazakhstan's outstanding middleweight world champion Gennady Golvkin last September -- will fight his unbeaten challenger at Bramall Lane, the ground of his favourite football club Sheffield United.

"I want it with all my heart," said Brook at Thursday's press conference. "I've been coming down here since I was seven.

"My uncle Johnny told me that I would defend my world title here one day. He said, 'You will box and you will defend your world title'.

"It's a dream come true for me, for the city. I've just looked out and I've never seen the pitch like that before, all ready for Saturday night.

"I want to go out there and put a great show on for everybody."

Brook, who had his right eye socket broken in the brutal no-holds barred contest with Golovkin, added: "Every time I come to the Lane it brings back those young memories of coming down here.

"I used to get chucked up in the air when they (United) scored." - AFP