Kell Brook possible for Joshua-Ruiz 2 card on December 7

Image: Kell Brook possible for Joshua-Ruiz 2 card on December 7
By Boxing News - 10/28/2019 - Comments

By Tim Royner: Eddie Hearn is looking to confirm former IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook for the December 7th card in Saudi Arabia. Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) won’t be in co-feature if added to the card. That spot has already been taken by the heavyweight clash between Alexander Povetkin vs. Michael Hunter.

Hearn making an announcement this week of the undercard fights for the Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. card on December 7th at the Diriyah Arena, in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

Brook returning from one-year layoff

Given that Brook will have been out of the ring for 12 months by December, he’ll likely face a fodder level opponent. In other words, the same type of opposition he’s been facing in the last two years.

Brook hasn’t shown much interest in fighting any of the talented fighters at 147 and 154. He’s just been talking about wanting to fight Amir Khan, which gives fans the impression that the 33-year-old Brook is looking for a cash out fight. You would think that Brook would have learned by now that Khan has no interest of ever fighting him.

Brook’s star power has plummeted to earth since his 11th round knockout defeat at the hands of Errol Spence Jr. two years ago in May 2017. What’s hurt Brook almost as much as that loss is the low level of opposition he’s faced since then, as well his inactivity.

Kell has fought just twice in the last two years

Since the loss to Spence, Brook has exactly two times in the last 2 years in beating Siarhei Rabchanka and Michael Zerafa. His last fight was 10 months ago against Zerafa, who he struggled to beat by an unimpressive 12 round unanimous decision in December 2018. The performance against Zerafa was really disappointing.

The Zerafa fight showed clearly that Brook doesn’t belong fighting in the 154-lb division. He doesn’t have the frame, height, reach or the power. Additionally, Brook’s ability to take heavy shots to the head is questionable. He suffered broken eye sockets against Spence and Gennadiy Golovkin. Considering Brook’s history of eye injuries, it would be a good idea for Hearn to match him against a non-puncher on December 7th.

“We’re working on Kell Brook possibly being on that card,” said Hearn to skysports.com. “Of course Michael Hunter against Alexander Povetkin, a great heavyweight fight will co-main event on that card.”

Besides Hunter vs. Povetkin for the Joshua-Ruiz 2 card, Hearn will have former super bantamweight champion Scott Quigg facing the recently beaten Jono Carroll, and possibly Sam Eggington battling Souleyman Cissokho.