Brook’s comeback is a knockout as he sets sights on Smith clash

Kell Brook made an explosive return to boxing as he knocked out American Mark Deluca in the seventh round of their super welterweight bout in Sheffield.

In his first fight since defeating Michael Zefara by unanimous decision in an uninspiring performance in December 2018, Brook insisted only a “spectacular” victory would do on his return and he more than proved that he remains in world title contention.

Deluca was a heavy underdog coming into the contest at Sheffield Arena but had suffered just one defeat in his 25 fights, which came via split decision against Walter Wright in June 2018.

However, former IBF welterweight world champion Brook showed no signs of ring rust in his first fight in 14 months as he took control of the contest.

“I don’t want to go on holiday with the family, I want to get straight back in the gym on Monday,” Brook, pictured, told Sky Sports.

“I want to be fighting in ten-12 weeks, I’m ready to go. This is the last chapter in my career, Eddie Hearn is going to line up big fights for me, world titles, 2020 is going to be the year I become a champion again.”

Brook showed his interest in a huge domestic fight with former WBO light middleweight champion Liam Smith, who was ringside. “I don’t shy away from any fighter. I have a lot of respect for Liam, I sparred with him and we had very good spars,” he added.

“If anything is to go on with the spars then the fight will be amazing. I love the Smith family but when we go in there, it’s business.”