Kell Brook is planning a late night on Saturday – so he can take in Floyd Mayweather’s comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez in the States. Hot shot Brook is promising to become Britain’s answer to welterweight star “Money” in the next 18 months. The British welterweight champion defends his title in a potential domestic classic against Michael Jennings on October 30 at the Liverpool Echo Arena. And Brook says he has been inspired by the exploits of Mayweather, who currently rules the roost at 147 pounds and is considered one of the best P4P fighters in the world..
“He’s been one of the fighters that I’ve looked up to in the last few years,” said Brook.
“He’s an amazing talent, but I’m now beginning to look at him as a potential rival rather than a hero.
“I’m not at his level yet, but I know that I can win a world title.
“And once I’ve done that, who knows what fights can be made in the future.
“I’ll be staying up late on Saturday night to watch the fight because I need to know exactly where I’m at at the moment, and what I need to work on to get to the top.”
Sheffield youngster Brook – who won the Lonsdale belt outright with a string of KO wins – says a win against Jennings will enable him to make a massive stride towards fighting for a world title.
“It’s a big fight against Jennings because he lost to Miguel Cotto at the start of the year, and he’s a world class talent,” he said.
“If I can do a better job on Jennings than Cotto did, I’ll know that I’m going in the right direction, and I’m sure it will help my ratings with the various governing bodies.
“This is my chance to make a big statement and I promise that I’m going to look spectacular up in Liverpool.
“Jennings is a nice guy and he’s a good boxer, but he won’t be able to cope with my power and he’s going to be another boxer who won’t hear the final bell.”
Tickets priced at £30 (Tier), £40 (Tier), £50 (Tier), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and £200 (Ringside) are available from: Liverpool Echo Arena
0844 8000 400 www.accliverpool.com
Rogan And Sexton Calm Before The Storm!
Commonwealth heavyweight title challenger Martin Rogan has offered an olive branch to rival Sam Sexton – until they get between the ropes. The pair meet in their highly-anticipated second showdown on November Friday 6 at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena. It follows a controversial classic in May when Sexton, who had been out on his feet earlier in the round, halted Rogan in the eighth because the then champion had a badly swollen eye.
The temperature ahead of the rematch peaked at boiling point over the summer when Rogan and Sexton clashed at a Belfast press conference.
A furious Rogan accused Sexton of attempting to divide the Ulster community, an allegation the Norwich champion vigorously denied.
Today, during a conference call, Rogan backed down, blamed his outburst on difficulties he was having outside the ring at the time – and underlined the respect he has for Sexton.
“Emotions were running high, and unfortunately that’s how they came out,” said Rogan.
“I think there was something in the air, and as far as I’m concerned I definitely wasn’t myself that day.
“I have no issues with Sam Sexton and I hope there are no hard feelings. Emotions were running high and I would like to rectify a few things.
“What we have to remember is that this is a night of boxing. It’s a family affair and parents will be coming with their children. Sam and I have to show our sportsmanship.
“I have plenty of respect for him for agreeing to come back to Belfast.
“I know how difficult it is to be on the road because I went to England when I boxed Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton.”
But however gentlemanly Rogan has promised to be outside the ring, he vowed to do the business between the ropes come fight night.
“I learned a few things in that first fight and I was probably too naive in letting Sexton off the hook,” he said. “I won’t make the same mistake again.”
Of Rogan’s previous outburst, Sexton said: “I had no idea what it was all about. I was told to do a press workout in a certain gym which was a protestant one, but I also visited a Catholic gym as well.
“I don’t understaind what it is all about. I’m coming to Belfast to box, I don’t know a thing about politics.”
And of the fight he added: “Every time I fight I’m getting stronger, I’m getting fitter and I’m getting faster.
“I am now a much better fighter than the one who boxed Rogan in May, and the result won’t be different second time around.
Tickets, priced at £25 (tier), £30 (tier), £40 (central tier), £60 (floor), £100 (floor) and £150 (ringside) are available from:
Odyssey Arena Box Office
02890 739 074
www.odysseyarena.com
Ticketmaster
0844 277 4455
www.ticketmaster.ie
Frank Warren Promotions
01992 550 888
www.frankwarren.tv