Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Former British welterweight champion Kell Brook has had his WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title taken away from him after failing to defend the belt within 120 days. The 24 year-old’s last defence was a two-round blow out of Ghanaian Philip Kotey on December 11th, which takes him 20 days past the allotted limit.
The undefeated Yorkshireman was set to defend his title against former world champion Lovemore N’dou in his home city in late June, but may have to settle for a non-title bout unless new promoter’s Matchroom Sport can secure him a crack at another fringe world title.
Brook has racked up 23 successive wins since turning pro in 2004 and is currently number one contender to Manny Pacquaio’s WBO 147lb title. N’dou, 39, is seen as the ideal stepping stone for Brook, who is pencilled in for a full world title shot within twelve months.
"I didn't know anything about this 120 day rule and nobody I know does either. I've had no warning, nothing," Brook told Boxrec News.
I'm looking forward and I'm going on to bigger and better things - I don't need that bauble.
"I understand that Frankie Gavin has been put forward to fight for it. Tell you what, if he wins, I'll fight him to get my old title back. I'm sure Frank (Warren) would be prepared to put Frankie Gavin in with me," he added.
WBN Editor
Sheffield fighter unaware of 120 day rule
Former British welterweight champion Kell Brook has had his WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title taken away from him after failing to defend the belt within 120 days. The 24 year-old’s last defence was a two-round blow out of Ghanaian Philip Kotey on December 11th, which takes him 20 days past the allotted limit.
The undefeated Yorkshireman was set to defend his title against former world champion Lovemore N’dou in his home city in late June, but may have to settle for a non-title bout unless new promoter’s Matchroom Sport can secure him a crack at another fringe world title.
Brook has racked up 23 successive wins since turning pro in 2004 and is currently number one contender to Manny Pacquaio’s WBO 147lb title. N’dou, 39, is seen as the ideal stepping stone for Brook, who is pencilled in for a full world title shot within twelve months.
"I didn't know anything about this 120 day rule and nobody I know does either. I've had no warning, nothing," Brook told Boxrec News.
I'm looking forward and I'm going on to bigger and better things - I don't need that bauble.
"I understand that Frankie Gavin has been put forward to fight for it. Tell you what, if he wins, I'll fight him to get my old title back. I'm sure Frank (Warren) would be prepared to put Frankie Gavin in with me," he added.