Kell Brook announces return to the ring on February 8

Former IBF Welterweight world champion Kell Brook will make his long-awaited return against the American, Mark DeLuca.

Brook, whose only two losses have come against Gennady Golovkin and Errol Spence, will be the headline act in his home city of Sheffield.

The 33-year-old will face Mark DeLuca (24-1), as he attempts to shake off ring rust and fire himself back into world title contention. Brook was last seen in action over a year ago, where he outpointed Michael Zerafa. The Sheffield-born fighter has confirmed he will be trained by former trainer Dominic Ingle, who was absent in the previous outing.

Despite being plagued with regular periods of inactivity, ‘The Special One’ is eager to make up for lost time.

Brook said:

“I’m so happy to be back and I can’t wait to put on a performance for my city on February 8 live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

“I’ve had a year out, there has been some dark times but what I’ve realised is I love this sport and I know I have some of my biggest years left in the game. DeLuca is a strong, gutsy fighter who is always ready for war but I’m planning on putting on a statement and showing the world that I’m still a force at 154 or 147lbs.”

Nicknamed ‘The Bazooka,’ the man who stands in Brook’s way is currently enjoying a three-fight winning streak. The Massachusetts native DeLuca picked up the NABA Super-Welterweight Title in October 2018 and has defended it since.

Also on the card is Kid Galahad, who will be aiming for his second shot at a world title when he faces Claudio Merrero in a final eliminator. Galahad (26-1) fell short in a close, disputed battle against featherweight champion, Josh Warrington.

Galahad said:

“I am grateful to the IBF, Matchroom and my team for making sure they made a sensible decision to get me back into the Final Eliminator – something I think is deserved and most of the fans do too.

“I’ve had many people believe I won the first fight with Warrington but what’s written in the record books is what counts. I’ll focus fully on Marrero now and then if and when we get through that – I’ll look to right the wrongs of the first fight.

“Let’s hope Josh sticks around to take the rematch as many of his own fans and neutrals came out saying he didn’t do enough to have his arm raised the first night.”