Kell Brook will defend his IBF World Welterweight title against mandatory challenger Kevin Bizier at the Sheffield Arena on March 26, live on Sky Sports.
Brook makes the third defence of the crown and his second in his hometown fortress in the Steel City following wins against Jo Jo Dan and Frankie Gavin at The O2 in London. ‘The Special One’ meets his mandatory challenger for the second time since landing the title with a stunning win over Shaun Porter in California in August 2014, and returns to action having shaken off the rib injury that forced him out of a defence against Diego Chaves in October.
“I’m delighted to be back fighting at the Sheffield Arena again,” said Brook. “While I was gutted to miss out on fighting in October, I’ve fully recovered from the injury and feel stronger than ever. I’ve been working hard in the gym and working on new things, and I cannot wait to put on another explosive performance for my hometown fans and prove I am the best 147-pound fighter on the planet.”
Bizier landed the mandatory spot with the IBF in November when he forced the unbeaten American-Ghanaian Fredrick Lawson after ten toe-to-toe rounds in Miami, where the Canadian floored Lawson in the fifth round en route to the crucial victory. The 31 year old brings an impressive record of 25 wins with 17 inside the distance to his first fight outside of Canada and America, and the challenger believes he’ll relieve Brook of the title on March 26.
“The most important thing was the date,” said Bizier. “March 26 is perfect for me. I am already in great physical condition and I will have the perfect preparation in Montréal with my trainer Marc Ramsay. I know I will be the underdog once again, but I guarantee you I will give the fight of my life. I am optimistic and I already fought in England as an amateur. Having the crowd against me does not bother me at all.”
Olympic gold medal hero Luke Campbell MBE will return to action on the bill, Sheffield Heavyweights Dave Allen and Richard Towers clash in a British title eliminator and Andy Townend vs. Craig Poxton for the English Super-Featherweight title.
Tickets priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £250 VIP will go on sale at midday Thursday January 21 to Matchroom Fight Pass members from the Fight Pass area at www.matchroomboxing.com and on general sale the following day (Friday January 22) with tickets in the £40-£150 bracket available from the Sheffield Arena on 0114 2565656 and at www.sheffieldarena.co.uk. VIP tickets are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com.
