Khan vs Brook LIVE: Latest updates and reaction to fight tonight
The British rivals finally clash in a grudge match that is more than a decade in the making
There has been a lot of talking and more than a decade of waiting, but finally Amir Khan and Kell Brook will settle their rivalry in the ring this evening as the British pair go head-to-head in a main-event bout at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The former champions have known each other since their teenage days, even before Khan announced himself to the world as Team GB’s youngest ever boxing medalist at the 2004 Olympics. The Bolton-born fighter and rival Brook, representing Sheffield, both went on to win world titles, with Khan also competing in major fights in the United States. Despite the now-35-year-olds’ strong dislike for one another and a long-standing demand from fans for the fighters to settle their differences between the ropes, a bout has eluded the competitors and their followers until now.
Tonight, Khan and Brook face off in a catchweight bout at 149lbs, with the opponents having traded harsh words this week at a fiery press conference and heated weigh-in. “I’m worried about a few things. I’m worried about Kell’s health after the beating I’m gonna be giving him,” Khan said on Thursday. Brook retorted: “He’s definitely gonna sleep Saturday night when I smash him in. He’s going on his face or his back, one of the two.” On the undercard, heavyweight Frazer Clarke makes his professional debut following his medal-winning venture for Team GB at last summer’s Tokyo Olympics, and Natasha Jonas makes her third attempt at becoming a world champion.
Follow live updates and all the latest results from Khan vs Brook and the entire undercard, below.
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Khan vs Brook undercard result: Adam Azim drops Jordan Ellison in first round
Adam Azim didn't take long to show off the power and spite, here he is with seconds left in the first dropping Jordan Ellison.
There’s class here from Azim as he hunted down an early stoppage.
A jab then a pinpoint body shot, horrible.
Amir Khan speaking in his dressing room on his final preparation for Kell Brook
“I feel really good, with the team now, the hard work has been done, it's about focusing now, it's all going to come together. I feel confident, good, very relaxed.
“It's time to go. Definitely, a massive motivation, we've had bad blood for 10-12 years, it's a good time to give the fans an amazing fight. There will be fireworks. It'll pop off at some point. We'll be more than ready.
“It’s very important to start off good. Show and establish your shots and punches, your game plan. We’ve worked on that. We know how we’ll start this fight and what we’ll need to do.
“Whatever Brook brings to the table, we have answers for?”
Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker on Khan vs Brook
Whittaker, who says he wants Brad Rea in his debut, “there are levels”, has also spoken about the big one.
Whittaker: “I'm sitting on the fence, Khan has the speed, Brook has the timing, it's whoever executes the gameplan.
“You won't get anybody out of me, may the best man win.”
Johnny Nelson reacts to Brad Rea knockout
Johnny Nelson: “I liked the finish, it was spot on, a triple-right, double jab, finished off with another right.
“I thought it would be a tough fight. He jumped on him.
“These guys are young, a loss doesn’t mean anything.”
Khan vs Brook undercard result: Brad ‘Sting’ Rea puts on statement
“My power is underrated, when I have a live opponent in front of me I’ll put them away.
“I can hit hard, it’s a myth that I don’t.
“That one is for Johnny [Nelson]!”
Khan vs Brook undercard result: Brad ‘Sting’ Rea emphatically stops Craig McCarthy in one round
Sensational! Brad 'Sting' Rea emphatically finishes off Craig McCarthy in the first round.
One minute, 53 seconds into the opener to be precise.
Khan vs Brook undercard: Riley outclasses gutsy Shihepo
Riley outclasses a gutsy Shihepo, but he can’t force the stoppage.
Maybe a tinge of disappointment from Riley, but outpunched the Namibian 226 punches to 139 over six rounds.
And landed 114 to just 21, it meant an easy win 60-53.
Natasha Jonas’ verdict on Khan vs Brook
Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas is in action later in a world title fight, but she’s also had her view on the main event.
Jonas says: “It’s simple really. If Brook lands, he can win but he’s got to land and if Khan is anywhere close to the Khan we all know and respect, I don’t think Brook lands. I think Khan wins.”
Khan vs Brook undercard: Riley dominating Shihepo
Riley is proving his worth here as a top fighter and not just a social media star.
He drops Shihepo and is moving nicely through three rounds.
Can he force a stoppage in this six-round fight?
Germaine Brown UD Charlie Schofield to win English middleweight title
Germaine Brown outpoints Charlie Schofield to win the English middleweight title.
A comprehensive win for Brown, 98-92, 99-92 and 99-92 on the scorecards.
Brown says: “It was messy at points, I felt I outworked him, he kept holding on the inside. I kept working, when I got my range, I worked on him.
“I want to stay busy and active, I'm ready. I’m looking forward to now staying and watching the main event.”
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