Brook to defend welterweight belt against Chaves

Britain's Kell Brook will defend his IBF welterweight title against Argentina's Diego Chaves in Sheffield, northern England on October 24, it was announced on Wednesday.

Brook, 29, has successfully defended his crown against Jo Jo Dan and Frankie Gavin since claiming the title with an impressive victory over America's Shawn Porter in August 2014.

But he expects a tough contest against the bruising Chaves, who drew with the highly rated Timothy Bradley in December, having been disqualified for intentionally elbowing Brandon Rios in his previous fight.

"Chaves is a rough, tough, durable fighter who is very dangerous," said Brook, who spent seven months out prior to fighting Dan in March after being stabbed in the leg while on holiday on the Spanish island of Tenerife.

"He's coming off a draw to Tim Bradley, was ahead on the cards against Brandon Rios until he was disqualified and gave Keith Thurman a solid fight, so we know what level he has mixed at and how good he is."

Brook, unbeaten in 35 fights, with 24 knockouts, will be fighting in his home city, but Chaves (23-2-1), says he will draw upon the traditional rivalry between England and Argentina as a source of motivation.

"We know all the bad blood that exists between Argentina and England, and this will give me much more strength," he said. "I will be making history if I defeat an Englishman in his own country."
Source: AFP