Kell Brook is preparing to jump up two weight classes to take on the might of Gennady Golovkin at the O2 Arena this weekend in a bout many see as a step too far for the Englishman.
Golovkin, unbeaten at middleweight in 35 bouts and a unified belt-holder across four awarding bodies, is the heavy favourite, but do his peers and boxing experts give Brook a hope?
We round up the best of pre-match opinion, but want to know who you think will come out on top.
Have your say on the fight and these experts’ opinions by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.
SAUL ALVAREZ
Is Brook being sacrificed? No doubt about it. We all know what’s going to happen in the fight. I’m not too interested in the fight itself, but he’s going to knock Brook out.
SUGAR RAY LEONARD
Jumped up in weight to dethrone middleweight champ Marvin Hagler in 1987
Brook has to understand what weight is he most comfortable at, what weight won’t take away his speed or his movement. I kept moving, I could not stand toe-to-toe with Marvin Hagler. The times I did, was just to release my combinations, and then get back out. I could not be a stationary target.
CARSON JONES
Former Brook opponent and Triple G training partner
I’d expect Kell Brook to box him well for four or five rounds because he is a talented boxer with a good jab, but as soon as he starts getting touched he won’t be able to handle it. This guy is a big puncher and it will be lights out.
MARTIN MURRAY
Stopped in 11 rounds by Golovkin
It’s a step too far for Kell. Golovkin is another level and he’s in deep, deep water and I don’t think he’s going to be able to swim. I don’t think Kell can go as long as I did with him. I think it goes five rounds, six maximum, and I know what it is like in there with him. It could go early.
WILLIE MONROE JR
Knocked out in six by Golovkin
I think you’ve got to give props to Kell Brook for taking on a monster like Triple G. I think it’s definitely a daring move. I’m a big believer in step big, win big. So it will be good for Kell Brook either way.
GABE ROSADO
Knocked out in seven by Golovkin
I think just the match-up, maybe Brook will box him for a couple of rounds before he gets knocked out. But I mean it’s a welterweight fighting a middleweight. I mean, skill-wise Brook could hang with him, but this is the reason they make weight classes.
LIAM SMITH
WBO light middleweight champion and Brook’s sparring partner
From his point of view, he has done everything he can. [If he doesn’t win] it won’t be for the lack of the shape he is in or his ability. It will be just be whether he comes up against a good Triple G on the night.
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