Unbeaten Kell Brook will fight Rafal Jackiewicz in a world title eliminator in Sheffield in October - live on Sky Sports.
Steel City fighter back at home for world title eliminator
Unbeaten welterweight star Kell Brook will face a world title eliminator against Rafal Jackiewicz in Sheffield in October.
The Sheffield bomber will put his WBA Inter-Continental title on the line against the Pole at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre on Saturday October 8.
The unbeaten welterweight claimed the strap against Lovemore N'dou in his last outing in the Steel City, taking his impressive career record to 24-0.
The 34-year-old Jackiewicz presents tough opposition though. He is a former undefeated European champion and is rated fifth with the IBF and number 10 with the WBO.
Home return
"I can't wait to fight in Sheffield again," said Brook. "The atmosphere at the Lovemore N'dou fight was incredible and I'm sure it's going to be even better at Ponds Forge.
"Jackiewicz is a tough opponent who has held the European belt and challenged for a world title so he will provide a great test for me."
Jackiewicz has lost just one of his last 24 fights. He has never been stopped in his 48-fight career - successfully defending his European strap twice including a victory over Jan Zaveck, who he then challenged for the IBF title but lost to on a majority decision.
Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn is relishing another atmospheric night in Sheffield for his man, who - if he wins - could face the winner of Zavek's fight with Andre Berto or WBA champion Vyacheslav Senchenko.
"I'm delighted to bring Kell back to Sheffield again on October 8, especially after the special atmosphere that the fans created at his last fight," said Hearn.
"Rafal provides the next step up in terms of tests for Kell and with both fighters knowing they are on the verge of a world title shot, a slip up here can destroy any dreams so you can expect an explosive fight.
"Kell is on the threshold of a world title shot and victory against Jackiewicz could set up an early 2012 shot with WBA champion Vyacheslav Senchenko.
"I've also had discussions with Lou DiBella about the prospect of meeting Andre Berto should he capture the IBF title against Jan Zaveck in September and with Rafal's number five IBF rating, this is a real possibility."
