Britain’s Kell Brook is tipped to land a shot at Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight belt after an impressive two-round victory over Ghanaian fighter Philip Kotey in Liverpool.
Sheffield-based Brook dazzled fans at the Liverpool Echo Arena with his lightning reactions, downing Kotey at the end of the first round before forcing the referee to call a halt in the second round.
And with the win behind him he is next in line for a shot at the WBO title – currently held by legendary Filipino boxer Pacquiao.
“I was hoping to make a statement,” said Brook, referring to his disappointing performance in his recent fight against Michael Jennings. “I’ll fight anyone, I don’t avoid anyone. I can’t wait for the New Year.”
Brook’s promoter Frank Warren confirmed that he has hopes of arranging a fight with Pacquiao.
“(Kell) is ranked number one by the WBO,” said Warren.
“We are just waiting to see what happens with Manny Pacquiao and whether he vacates or not. It’s not a race, I’m quite sure he will become a world champion.”
On the same bill in Liverpool Matthew Macklin was forced to work hard for a points victory against Ruben Varon to defend his European middleweight title.
The Birmingham fighter was matched punch-for-punch for much of the bout against his Spanish opponent, and was lucky not to see the fight stopped late on as he had blood pouring from both eyes.
But Macklin held on and was awarded a 116-111, 116-113, 117-111 decision by the judges.
“It wasn’t a great performance, but I got the win and I’m still the European champion,” said Macklin. Eurosport
