Sheffield's Brook To Fight Chavez Next Month

Kell Brook will make the third defence of his world title against Diego Chaves on October 24.

The IBF welterweight champion returns to his home town of Sheffield to take on tough Argentine Chaves, a former interim WBA champ who has been in with some of the best the division has to offer.

The 29-year-old's recent record may read 1-2-1, but one of those defeats came via a disputed disqualification against Brandon Rios and the draw was with Timothy Bradley, who counts the great Manny Pacquiao among his victims.

Chaves was unbeaten in 19 fights before losing to Keith Thurman two years ago and has a reputation as a hard hitter with an awkward style.

And Brook, who brings a 35-fight unbeaten record to the Motorpoint Arena contest, acknowledged: "Chaves is a rough, tough, durable fighter who is very dangerous.

"He's bringing something new to the table. 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.

"It's been a busy year so far boxing Jo Jo Dan in March and Frankie Gavin in May - this will be my third defence in seven months but a busy fighter is a happy fighter and I'm very happy at the moment. I'm looking forward to the next challenge and I'm feeling sharp after my break."

haves, who called the Rios result "a blatant robbery" has already gone public on his strategy for Brook, claiming the champ is "easily bothered by body punches" and "has problems going backwards".

But Brook, who stopped Gavin inside six rounds in May to retain the title he took from Shawn Porter just over a year ago, said: "I've seen some of Chaves' quotes and it's interesting to see he thinks he can walk me down and over-run me.

"I don't think some fighters realise how big I am and how sharp and accurate I punch and I'm looking to make a major statement against him. If he does what he promises it's going to be one hell of a fight."