How would you manage Kell Brook from now on? He is still mandatory for the IBF title and with Mayweather/Guererro, Mallignaggi/Broner, Bradley/Marquez holding the titles I can't see them going for any other belt. The next mandatory will have to take place 9 months after May so that's going to be FebruaryMarch 2014. I think the injury could be a blessing in disguise. The jump from Carson Jones to Devon Alexander was a huge one and I think he needs something in between. I would fight a 10 rounder v somebody like Selkuk Aydin or even a rematch with Carson Jones on the July 6th Hull card. Julio Diaz would also be a credible opponent now and would make a statement. Then take a bigger fight in September. The European title against Leonard Bundu, or Vyachaslev Senchenko. Even if he were to fight one of the name listed it wouldn't be bad. In December go for a name. Theres plenty of big fights going on in the divisions and Hearn should be able to get the loser of those fights over. Berto, Maidana/Lopez, Malignaggi is he loses to Broner. If Brook were to beat Aydin, Senchenko & Berto I think he would be in a good place going into a World title fight.
Senchenko would want good money I reckon but he still has some name value from beating Hatton and isn't that great so could be worth it. malignaggi even coming off a defeat to Broner would still be a reasonable fight. I'd be happy with Senchenko Malignaggi Maidana
I fear that Eddie will be too wary of maintaining Kell's mandatory status to put him in with anyone that's going to really test him at this point. Would be a shame to see Brook treading water over the next couple of fights as I do agree that he could do with at least one opponent who would bridge the step up a bit from Jones to Alexander.
Put brook in with someone from world level and i guarantee he will show every critic why he belongs at the world level.. If he was still with frank he would be world champs woth 2 or 3 big names on his record having beaten them. Its hearns fault IMO the way hes handled brook.
Someone like Zaveck, Aydin or Senchenko at least I'd say- getting a world title fight without beating someone on even their level is not good preparation IMO. And one of the reasons why I'd have fancied Alexander to have beaten Brook. Even Mike Jones wouldn't be bad, though I always fancied Jones to beat him. I wouldn't say Julio Diaz is now a legitimate test after Saturday night but it just tells you about Brook's level of opposition that this would be his toughest fight to date. I'd like to see a 'warm up' fight vs a legitimate gatekeeper/top 10 welterweight, then go for Alexander and if he were to pick up the belt, a December title defence vs Khan. Brook-Khan is turning into a must see fight and I'd like it to be a World title fight if possible
Do you think Kell is going to have 3 fights before the end of 2013?Hes pulled out of a fight on,what ,18th May.Will he be ready early July?Itll be 5 months to Christmas then,so I don't think hell box more than twice,and that will be a squeeze.Dont like your choice of opponents,Rob.Hell not fight Jones.He had a struggle and the Irish lad nearly beat him.Why Diaz,not very imaginative,Khans just beat him.He may as well go for his toughest opponent,Matt Hatton.Im kidding,don't want that either.The European idea is not bad at all,I think.A good bridge to world class,as you point out,but only that.I think they'd love Malinaggi to beat Broner,and get him to Sheffield,because brave lad that he is,he'd probably come.Also,why should he be going for losers rather than winners?
Also I watched Aydin beat out of sight by that Mexican Mike Jones well beat in their return.Come to think of it,why not box Jones?They were all saying Kell would thrash him a year or so ago?