• Welterweight

Brook to face Saldivia in final eliminator

ESPN staff
August 7, 2012
Kell Brook is eager to up his game against Hector Saldivia when the pair meet in October © PA Photos
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Kell Brook's ambitions of a welterweight world title shot face one last obstacle, after the Sheffield fighter was ordered by the IBF to face Hector Saldivia in a final eliminator.

Unbeaten Brook will take on his Argentinian opponent at Sheffield's Motorpoint Arena on October 20, and victory would hand him the IBF's mandatory challenger spot that he so desperately craves.

"I proved I have massive heart against Carson," said Brook, who is under pressure to perform after struggling in his points win over Carson Jones last month.

"I said after the fight that there needs to be an improvement and on October 20 my fans are going to see me at my very best."

Brook will certainly need to be in peak form as Saldivia is ranked inside the IBF's top five and has a 41-2 record. The South American has won 32 of his fights inside the distance.

"We have a new team in place that is going to ensure Kell will hit new heights in this fight," said Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn.

"It was always our goal to secure a mandatory position and now we are just one fight away from making that happen."

The winner of Brook versus Saldivia will take on the victor of the all-American title bout between champion Randall Bailey and Devon Alexander, which takes place in Texas in September.

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