Shawn Porter vs Kell Brook: Sheffield fighter says he is ready for the 'big stage'

Brook battles for the IBF welterweight title in the early hours of Sunday morning

Kell Brook pictured training in Las Vegas last week (GETTY IMAGES)

Kell Brook will end 18 months of waiting on Saturday night when he faces Shawn Porter for the IBF welterweight title in Carson, California.

Brook saw three projected title tilts at former champion Devon Alexander fall through then was forced to watch Porter get there first and dethrone Alexander over 12 rounds last April.

Porter's subsequent four-round win over Paulie Malignaggi in April underlined the size of task facing Brook who heads into the fight with a 32-fight unbeaten record.

But the Sheffield man is convinced all the waiting will have been worth it when he gets in the ring for a bout which will leave the winner in a position to take any number of lucrative showdowns ahead.

Brook said: "This has been a long time coming but I've finally arrived at the big stage now.

"It's every fighter's dream to win a world title and it's all I've been thinking about through training and waiting.

"I know Shawn Porter is a very tough customer and a very worthy champion, but this is my time. I'm very well prepared mentally and physically and Saturday night cannot come quick enough for me."

While Brook has designs on a domestic super-fight against Amir Khan, Porter believes another headline win could put him in the frame for a meeting with Floyd Mayweather.

Porter's slow-burning career looked to have stalled when he fought a draw with veteran Julio Diaz in 2012, but a subsequent rematch win followed by his last two top-level performances have suddenly made him a man to be reckoned with.

Porter said: "I am one of the quickest and strongest guys in my weight class and I'm probably the most confident too.

"I've done enough homework to know I can beat him. You're going to see it all - aggression, intelligence, power and quickness. The whole nine yards."

PA