Kell Brook on Amir Khan, next opponent Sergey Rabchenko and how he almost quit boxing altogether

The popular Sheffield boxer admits he almost called time on his career after losing his IBF welterweight strap to Errol Spence, but is now as motivated as ever

Kell Brook hopes to fight Amir Khan by the end of the year (Getty)

Kell Brook has confessed that he almost retired from boxing when he lost his world title to Errol Spence, but that a potential showdown with Amir Khan – which he believes is “the biggest fight in world boxing” – prevented him from walking away.

Brook lost his IBF welterweight belt when he was stopped by Spence at Bramhall Lane in May. He suffered a broken eye socket which almost forced him into an early retirement, and Brook freely admits he was left feeling so low he almost called time on his illustrious career.

But the 31-year-old eventually hauled himself back into the gym, with a potential fight with Khan one of the reasons why he just couldn't bring himself to hang up his gloves for good.

Khan recently made the surprise announcement that he had signed a three-fight deal with Matchroom, and said that he wanted a super-fight with Brook before the year was out. That was music to the ears of Brook, who has said he could not have quit boxing before first fighting his rival.

“It takes time to recover,” Brook told Betsafe.com of the days following his loss to Spence. “I even contemplated retiring, I was that low but there's so much left of me and there’s certain performances I need to top and certain fighters I need to fight before I close the book on it.

"I’m proud of my name in the hat that everyone in British and world boxing wants the [Brook vs Khan] fight and excited about it. It’s the biggest fight in world boxing, two British fighters showdown, especially with me and him at each other throats for over 10-15 years.

“Even top fighters in America want to see us fight, and that’s what’s frustrating because I’m willing and I think now Amir is willing to get the fight across the line. But, we’ve both got to fight first and build-it up and then it will happen.”

Brook is looking to bounce back from losing his welterweight strap (Getty)

Brook has also said he was initially deterred by the news that Khan had signed with Matchroom – who have represented Brook for several years – but that he now appreciates the move could work in his favour.

“At first when Amir got announced, I thought Eddie was my boy, I thought Eddie was with me and then the business cap come on, it’s a win/win for Eddie, he’s got both top fighters,” he added.

“We both fight each other, it’s a great business move for Eddie and that’s the way I’m still looking at it.”

But first Brook must take care of business against Sergey Rabchenko in his hometown on March 3, in a bout he has previously described as “a 50/50 fight”.

Brook is moving up to super-welterweight following his loss to Spence and believes that he’ll need to be at his best to overcome a “very clever, very tough” opponent, who travels to Sheffield also looking to bounce back from a second career defeat.

“I’m going to make sure I’m in the best physical shape and mentally right,” Brook said. “And I'm 100% sure I’ll beat him.

“He’s bring to the table he’s very clever, had a lot of amateur fights. He's good to the head and to the body, uses the ring well. He’s very tough because I’ve sparred with him and he’s more than a handful. Our styles will gel and the winners are going to be the fans and me.

“He’s an all-round good fighter, he’s going to be a tough fighter and it’s going to be a challenge to break him down. I’ll be happy with the rounds and getting a very good workout. I don’t want to go out and knock someone out, it’s going to be a very tough night’s work. Like the rest of the cards, which are 50/50 fights and will be great for the fans.”

Kell Brook was speaking to Betsafe.com, for all the odds and betting markets on the Brook v Rabchenko rematch, please click here.