Kell Brook has vowed to prove he is ready for his World title shot by performing a ‘demolition job’ on former WBA king Vyacheslav Senchenko when they meet at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on Saturday (October 26), live on Sky Sports.
Twelve months ago Brook dismantled Argentine Hector Saldivia inside three rounds in a final eliminator for the IBF title and the unbeaten star was riding high with a fight against champion Devon Alexander lined up. However, injuries to both fighters meant the bout was postponed three times, leaving Brook heartbroken.
Now, with those problems behind him, the Steel City’s biggest sporting star is determined to prove he is once again ready for a shot at the IBF title by dismantling his opponent on Saturday night.
Senchenko will fight in England for the first time since spoiling Ricky Hatton’s comeback with a ninth round stoppage win last November. His devilish body shot ended the career of the Manchester legend, and Brook expects the Ukrainian to bring out the best in him.
“I want to do a demolition job on him, put on a great performance and really have fun in my hometown,” said Brook.
“He’s been over to promote the fight and that shows he’s confident, he’s coming here to win and to get a second shot at a World title. It’s always good to get a look at your opponent ahead of a fight, get a feel of what his chin might be like.
“He seemed confident and his team are used to winning. He’s got a good amateur background and he almost had a bit of a swagger about him when I saw him at the press conference, and like he did when he beat Ricky Hatton – but it’s a whole different story going in there with me and he’s going to realise that really quickly on Saturday.
“The public know that this is a real fight and that’s why it’s going to be buzzing in the arena when I walk into the ring.
“The fans remember what he did to Ricky, he wanted blood then and he wants the same again. But whatever obstacles he brings, I’m going to get past them and do what I do best and that’s win.
“I need to make a statement; it’s going to be an epic night. Anthony Joshua will be up here fighting, I’ve had great sparring with Brian Rose who’s got a big fight too, so I cannot wait to get in there and do the business.
“He’s a world class fighter and he only lost his title on a cut. They don’t give World titles out for nothing; he’s proved he deserves to be at the top.
“We didn’t need this fight, I’m number one for the IBF title but Eddie put the fight in front of me and I wanted to take it.
“I’ve put the miles in on the road and taken myself out of my comfort zone, I left my partner and my little girl at home and moved in over the road from the Wincobank, so I’ve trained very hard and we’ve taking this very, very seriously. As long as we get the end result, a win and one in style, all the hard work is more than worth it.”
Brook’s clash with Senchenko tops a great line-up of action in Sheffield, with Brian Rose facing Javier Maciel in a final eliminator for the WBO Light Middleweight title.
Rising Liverpool star Callum Smith meets Ruben Acosta for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight International title and Olympic Gold medal hero Anthony Joshua MBE faces Paul Butlin in his second professional fight. There’s a welcome return to action for Kal Yafai, the exciting 8-0 bantamweight who boxes for the first time since injuring his bicep in his last outing in March, while popular Sheffield fighters Adam Etches, Scott Jenkins and Sam O’Maison also feature.
Tickets are on sale now priced £30, £40, £60 and £100 through the Motorpoint Arena – www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk – and on 0114 2565656.
VIP packages priced £200 are available exclusively through Matchroom Boxing – www.matchroomboxing.com – or call 01277 359900.
