Kell Brook vs. Brandon Rios: Latest News and Rumours on Potential Fight

Rory MarsdenJun 26, 2015

IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook's hopes of fighting American Brandon Rios appear to have faded after the two camps failed to agree terms on the bout.

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Rios Eyes Fresh Opponent as Hearn Accuses American of Shirking Brook

Wednesday, July 29

"It’s pretty much dead. I don’t see it happening. We are looking for another fight for Brandon,” said Cameron Dunkin, Rios’ manager, per Dan Rafael of ESPN.com.

Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn put the blame squarely at the feet of Rios, per Rafael: “(Brook versus Rios) looks like it’s dead. We increased our offer and was happy to accept the rematch in the U.S. but basically I believe he just didn't really fancy the fight.”

The news comes as little surprise after David Anderson of the Daily Mirror reported on July 8 that there had been an issue over a rematch clause.

Brook has defended his IBF title twice since he claimed a majority-decision victory over Shawn Porter in 2014. He followed a victory over Romanian Jo Jo Dan with a knockout of compatriot Frankie Gavin at the O2 Arena in May to maintain his undefeated record at 35-0.

The 29-year-old Rios suffered his first defeats in 2013 against Mike Alvarado and Manny Pacquiao. But he has bounced back well to win his last two fights, most recently knocking out Alvarado to avenge his previous loss.

Brook described Rios as the "perfect candidate" for his next fight at the start of June, per Sky Sports:

"
I want massive names. I want to get up for big fights now.
They are talking about Brandon Rios and that really excites me because we all know that he loves to have a fight and he is entertaining for the fans, and that’s what I want to give. I want to give an all-action fight and he is the perfect candidate for the job.
"

Rios has 24 knockouts in his career, while Brook also has 24, which would have set up an intriguing contest for both men.

Missing out on Rios will be a big disappointment for Brook, who needs to start building his reputation in the U.S. in order to land megafights in the future.