Brook ticks all the boxes so can beat Porter
Friday 15 August 2014 13:17, UK
Matthew Hatton believes Kell Brook will bring the world title back to Britain.
The brother of Ricky was beaten by Sheffield star Brook back in March 2012 and says he saw enough in his compatriot then to know he'd reach the top.
Brook floored Hatton in the ninth and went on to win on points. Five fights down the line he now takes on IBF welterweight title holder Shawn Porter, in California, live on Sky Sports 1 in the early hours of Sunday.
Both men are unbeaten, although the champion is the favourite following his wins over Paulie Malignaggi and Devon Alexander, who he took the IBF strap from.
Porter claims that the pressure of a world-title fight will be too much for Brook to handle, but Hatton disagrees and expects to see him win on American soil.
"Sometimes you worry about fighters who get a world title shot at the first opportunity," he told Sky Sports.
"You worry are they fully prepared? Do they tick all the boxes? For me, Kell ticks all the boxes. He’s ready, he deserves his chance, so let’s see how good he is.
Kell is a very good fighter... you know he’s up against it with Shawn Porter but that big factor for me is going over to America to beat him. But I believe Kell is a special fighter. I believe he can do it.
"Kell is a very good fighter. You know he’s up against it with Shawn Porter and that big factor for me is going over to America to beat him.
"But I believe Kell is a special fighter. I believe he can do it."
Hatton also insists that even if Brook is beaten in the StubHub Center in Carson, he will bounce back.
With Floyd Mayweather owning the WBC and WBA welterweight belts and none other than Manny Pacquiao in possession of the WBO version, the options seem limited.
Hatton was the European champion at 147lbs before stepping up to tackle Saul Alvarez for the vacant WBC light-middleweight title in California himself.
He took the Mexican the distance but the unanimous decision, plus the loss to Brook a year later, closed his world title doors, but he is adamant the Special One could get a second chance.
"I think Kell is a special fighter and without doubt if he applies himself, dedicates himself, I am convinced - and I’ve said it all along since the moment I fought him - I think he can go on and be a world champion," he said.
"I think he’s got a great chance going into this fight but even if he doesn’t win this I think Kell, if he keeps his dedication and continues to apply himself, can become a world champion, if not this time maybe next time."
Shawn Porter v Kell Brook is live on Sky Sports 1, from 2.00am, Sunday, August 17.
