Fighting talk: Blackledge wants to see Battle of Britain!

Kell BrookKell Brook
Kell Brook
The demand is there for a Battle of Britain showdown between Amir Khan and Kell Brook - but Clitheroe boxer Luke Blackledge can’t see the pair trading punches just yet.

WBA International and WBC Silver welterweight champion Khan refuses to be silenced in his pursuit of a lucrative match-up with Floyd Mayweather and the 28-year-old is hoping that victory over Chris Algieri in New York could pave the way for such a contest in September.

Meanwhile, with Khan embarking on his 34th professional bout tomorrow, against an American whose only defeat arrived at the hands of Manny Pacquiao last year, Brook will make another defence of his IBF World welterweight title against fellow Englishman Frankie Gavin at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday.

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Brook insists he isn’t looking beyond the 29-year-old Brummie, but the euphoria surrounding Matchroom’s successful staging of Carl Froch and George Groves at Wembley Arena 12 months ago has quenched the British public’s thirst for another all-England encounter with a prestigious strap on the line.

Amir KhanAmir Khan
Amir Khan

“I think Kell Brook could encounter a few problems but he’ll come through to win the fight,” said Blackledge. “It’s a difficult fight for him because Frankie Gavin is a tough opponent. But Brook is a different level.

“Khan’s hand speed and experience should see him through the fight too. I think it will be comfortable for Khan in the end because he’s got too much about him.”

Blackledge added: “I don’t think that fight will happen yet. It might happen further down the line though. Khan is still chasing Mayweather and he’s still wanting that big fight.

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“He should take the fight with Brook though because it’s one everybody wants to see. They are both at the same level and it would be a sell-out in the UK.

“It would be a mint fight but I think Khan beats Brook. The fight should be made to happen.”.

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