Brook not concerned over eye injuries ahead of Rabchenko bout
Kell Brook knows any hesitancy over prior eye problems could cost him dear when he faces Sergey Rabchenko next month.
The Sheffield-born fighter takes on the Belarusian in his home city on March 3 in his first fight since he was stopped by Errol Spence Jr at Bramall Lane in May.
Brook suffered a fractured left eye socket in that contest, eight months after a similar problem to his right eye following a defeat to Gennady Golovkin.
Those two losses are the only blemishes on Brook’s record (36-2), but he faces an opponent in Rabchenko (27-2) whom he can ill-afford to take lightly.
“I’ve got a black eye, I’ve been taking a bit of leather but standing up to it no problem,” Brook told Omnisport.
“My doctor said my eye should be fine now, there’s steel in there, but I don’t need to be thinking about it, I need to go in there and do what I need to do and get my shots across.
“He’s up there, he’s no walkover. I could have had an easier comeback fight, his record is the same as mine if not better.
“He’s mixed it with top opposition, he’s only lost to the very best in the world so if I’m thinking about my eyes or them losses, or if I’m not 100 per cent myself I’m not going to win.”
A little #TBT to the moment @SpecialKBrook won the IBF World Welterweight Title
His assault on the 154lbs division begins March 3
All welcome to the public workout today, @crucibletheatre at 1pm!#RiseAgain pic.twitter.com/kk12zJqZOw
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 15, 2018
After nine months out of action, Brook is feeling positive about his return to the ring and has vowed to knock Rabchenko to the canvas.
He said: “I feel good, training alongside new gym mates – Billy Joe Saunders, Jason Quigley, Kid Galahad…I’m on the top of the bill.
“People on the undercard are all from the gym, we’re all motivated and pushing each other. Our bodies are working properly and efficiently now so I can’t wait.
“I’m looking in every fight to knock my opponent out. I’m never looking to go the distance, I’m looking for an opening and looking forward to being explosive.”
