Billy Joe Saunders tells Kell Brook his poor show could be blessing as he chases Amir Khan
Special K defeated Michael Zerafa in unconvincing style on Saturday, but the former WBO middleweight champion claims it could be a blessing in disguise
BILLY JOE SAUNDERS told Kell Brook his underwhelming win against Michael Zerafa may encourage Amir Khan to accept a fight against him.
Brook beat Aussie Zerafa on Saturday night in Sheffield and after the fight Saunders consoled his friend and claimed his performance could work in his favour.
“I should have f***ing got him out there in a couple of rounds.”
Saunders, 29, who trained with Brook at trainer Dominic Ingle’s Wincobank gym in Sheffield, told the 32-year-old not to worry about the performance.
Saunders said: “Listen Kell, don’t even worry about that – like I say, you done him, end of story.
“As a matter of fact, in hindsight that might have done you a favour. For one you know for next time. And two, he [Khan] might think, ‘yeah I’ll fight him now.’”
Saunders than added that it is important for Brook to keep his weight down, as ‘Special K’ announced he will make a move back down to welterweight.
Brook has been linked to a fight with rival Khan, 32, at welterweight, however, the latter claims Brook would have to agree to a 10lbs rehydration clause for the showdown to take place.
The Sheffield man said he will agree to Khan’s demand, while he is also targeting fights against the likes of WBC champion Shawn Porter and IBF titleist Errol Spence Jr.
Brook said: “Next year, 2019, I’m coming for them big boys. It’s now or never. Amir, I’m ready, I’m hungry, I’m fit.
“I will go down to welterweight, I will do the rehydration, we will do the deal live on television.
“It’s not my fault it hasn’t happened. I want the fight, I want to shut him up and move on to Spence Jr, Porter. I want the big boys.
“It’s now or never. He’s got one more fight with Eddie Hearn and it was supposed to be me, now, the final big one – but he’s running off again.
“Listen, I am here, I am ready, I’m back in the gym and hungry, I am reborn and ready to take the world on.”
The 32-year-old reigned as IBF welterweight world champion for three years when after he beat Shawn Porter for the title in August 2014.
In May 2017 Brook would however lose his title after being stopped by Errol Spence Jr, and after the fight the Sheffield man claimed he could no longer make the 147lbs limit.
Brook would have two fights at super-welterweight, but the former world champion now looks set to once again campaign at welterweight.
On Friday’s weigh in Brook came in at 150lbs, four pounds under the super-welterweight limit, which is an indication that he is preparing to move back down to welterweight.
To watch the clip in its entirety head to