KELL COUNTING ON OWLS FANS

KELL BROOK has called for Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday supporters to join as one.

The 31-year-old (above) defends his IBF world welterweight crown against American Errol Spence Jr on Saturday at Bramall Lane, home of his beloved United.

But rather than twist the blade on Owls fans gutted to have lost in the Championship play-off semi-finals, he wants to make his battle a case of the Steel City versus the USA – and give everyone something to sing about.

Brook said: “I would love it for one night only for Wednesday and United fans to be united because it’s Sheffield versus America.

“It’s not like football, it’s about Sheffield, and getting behind their man in a world title fight.

“It’s a massive night for the city. An outdoor boxing night has not been done in Sheffield since Herol Graham fought [Lindell Holmes] at Bramall Lane in 1984.”

Spence Jr, 27, who is unbeaten in 21 fights, has been training at the gym which belongs to Brook’s bitter rival, Amir Khan.

He said: “I’ve got a bit of experience fighting in front of hostile crowds from the amateurs, fighting national champions in South America.

“I’m not worried about that at all. I take everything in my stride.”

Meanwhile, George Groves hopes Fedor Chudinov will find a raucous crowd when the Londoner challenges for the Russian’s WBA supermiddleweight crown.

It will be his fourth – and, if he loses, probably last – shot at a world title on the Brook-Spence undercard.

Groves said: “He didn’t perform that well in his last fight and, as that was February last year, he is perhaps a bit ring-rusty and it may take him a little while to adjust.

“By then I will have stamped my authority on the fight. But it would be nice to have a home crowd – hopefully I’ll get some home support – and Chudinov feels it.”