Kell Brook lifted the IBF welterweight title from Shawn Porter by majority decision Saturday night in Carson, Calif. It was a very good win, in more ways than one, for Brook, who utilized his superior reach to upset one of boxing's fastest-rising stars.
Not only did Brook claim a mojor 147-pound title, he also garnered a little attention from boxing's best fighter: Floyd Maywather Jr.
Immediately after Saturday night's victory, Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn began targeting higher-profile opponents capable of putting larger paychecks in his fighter's pocket. There are several welterweights who fall into the high-profile category - several of whom would provide Brook with stiff challenges.
But Hearn isn't ready to take too many chances; he is going for the jackpot. Hearn believes a showdown between Brook and Mayweather Jr. is possible for 2015.
A huge thanks to those that travelled land & sea to watch @SpecialKBrook lift the World title..seeing those British flags always a huge lift
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) August 17, 2014
"I think you have to say Kell is now in the running to face Floyd Mayweather," Hearn told BBC.com.
"Everyone in the division wants to fight Floyd, but if you hold a world title then you are more likely to face him than if you don't.
"He's an obvious opponent and Mayweather is a target for 2015."
Hearn is smart man, mentioning Mayweather makes sense: It's a way to put his Britain-based fighter -- a who isn't well known among American fans -- in the conversation and get word to Mayweather's handlers that Brook wants consideration the next time boxing's top money-earner peruses his list of potential opponents.
And it appears Hearn has succeeded in achieving that goal.
"Kell Brook is a player now, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe told SportsWorldNews.com on Tuesday. "Guys who win titles in the division become players. He put himself in that position."
Ellerbe added that he doesn't take issue with Hearn eyeing his fighter for a possible title unification bout. He views it as a smart business move.
"[Hearn] is supposed to say that; who wouldn't want to fight the top dog? But we're focused on Marcos Maidana.
Mayweather puts his unblemished professional record [46-0-0, 26 knockouts] and WBC/WBA belts on the line Sept. 13 in a rematch against Maidana. The fight will be held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In their first meeting on May 3, Mayweather defeated Maidana majority decision. The hard-hitting Maidana will take a pro mark of 35-4-0 with 31 KOs into the ring against Mayweather.
Expecting to land a fight with Mayweather within a year of defeating Porter, however, might be a bit far-fetched. Hearn knows dethroning Porter isn't enough to push Brook to the top of the Mayweather sweepstakes, so he looking at a fight against Amir Khan as a way further improve his fighter's standing.
It's a fight Hearn should have little difficulty putting together. Each fighter has expressed interest in the bout.
"I know Khan doesn't like me," Brook said Saturday. "The fact is, he is getting it. I'm the champ of the world."
Said Khan: "I really don't think he's going to want to fight me this quick, but if he wants to I'm ready."
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
