By William Mackay: Undefeated welterweight contender Kell Brook (27-0, 18 KO’s) is already scheduled to be back in the ring on July 7th at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield and his promoter Eddie Hearn is quickly shopping around for someone with a name that is good but not too good to beat Brook and end the hype machine before it’s got a full head of steam.

Brook said this on his twitter about his next fight “The stage is set July 7th we’re on. The next victim will be announced soon.”

Victim, eh? I wonder if Brook could insert the words “Next soft opponent” in place of victim, because that’s what we’ll likely see.

There’s a rumor that Brook could be facing Joshua Clottey next. I don’t believe that for a second because Clottey is too big now, fighting at middleweight and he’s still too dangerous even though he’s only fought once since losing to WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao by a 12 round decision in March 2010. I’m sure he’d go for the fight if they offered him enough money but how would he move down in weight two entire divisions to make the fight? I guess it wouldn’t keep Brook up at nights wondering if Clottey would come in weak after making weight, because this is just another fight to keep moving forward before getting a title shot against one of the champions at some point in the future.

The opponent won’t be Clottey that’s my prediction. It’s going to be someone not very good on the fringe level, but recognizable to hardcore fans and probably someone old or past their best. Look for someone that’s still hanging around the welterweight division but who isn’t the threat they once were. Hearn isn’t going to put Brook in with a live body because he could get knocked out or beaten up. It’s going to be another fringe level guy or a 2nd tier timer who has lost his skills through age and too many ring wars.