As expected, Britain’s unbeaten IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook, will indeed make the next defence of his title on October 24th in Sheffield, against Argentina’s Diego Chaves, before returning to the ring in December, in what will be his 4th fight, and title defence, of 2015.
Just before Brook appeared live on Sky Sports News in the UK today, to talk about the fight with Chaves, there was some conveniently timed twitter chatter from American veteran Shane Mosley, who stopped the horrendously out-of-shape Ricardo Mayorga last weekend in Los Angeles – his first fight in two years since returning from injury.
The soon-to-be 44 year old Mosley, who announced after the Mayorga debacle that he intends to continue fighting at either 147 or 154 lbs, wrote.
“Wow. Have 2say I am shocked. Just got a DM from the champ offering up a fight 4 the title. Stay tuned. Let’s see if we can make this happen.”
Without mentioning any names, “Sugar” quickly followed up with two more tweets;
“I always respect guys who have a I will fight you, I’m not scared mentality.” I am just shocked ’cause it’s rare. Let’s make this happen.”
“Getting on a call with his manager now. We may make this happen in November. November is going to be a good month for boxing.”
Brook, who is already facing criticism from many fans for what they deem an underwhelming, albeit game, opponent in Chaves, wasn’t absolutely mortified by the prospect of fighting the long faded Mosley either, when conveniently asked as much on air re: his next date in December.
The fact Matchroom have their exclusive broadcasting contract with Sky actually made the whole thing feel like a subtle hint at the future in bringing the subject of Mosley up, although Shane’s twitter chat WAS NOT mentioned in the broadcast.
Brook, laughably, DID NOT rule out the idea, despite expressing some initial doubts at the prospect of beating up on the old timer.
While insisting he would rather not fight Mosley as he is long past best, Brook did say “Be careful what you wish for,” and “that it could well happen,” regarding any potential clash for his final fight of the year!
Although there is no suggestion Mosley IS being lined up for Brook in December, the aforementioned coincidences are truly shocking, and given two mis-matches fought already this year, it would be daft to rule it out of becoming a reality. Team Brook won’t want a hard slog for Kell in December, and Mosley’s name is an easy sell to casual fans. Once Matchroom drop in that Shane once fought Mayweather – as SSN did on TV today – you start to see it all taking shape!!!
While Chaves is game and skilled enough, he is surely a level below the names the fans want for Brook, like Thurman, Bradley or Shawn Porter, who publicly stated he would happily come to the UK to try and win the belt back in a rematch.
While Hearn and Brook stay in Sheffield and resists the temptation to travel back to America, it seems for the time being at least, the fans will get what promoter Eddie Hearn is prepared to pay for in terms of opposition, and with Mosley reportedly in financial difficulty, getting him to the UK in December – like Diego Chaves in October – will at least be cheap.
Maybe it’s time to join Al Haymon, Kell?
Twitter @Undilutedpoison