Spence (21-0-0, 18 KOs) is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. He is credited with 21 fights, the latest of which was a sixth round knockout win against Leonard Bundu at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island, New York City, New York last August 2016.
When news reached him that he’s going to England to face Brook (37-1-0, 25 KOs) for a title fight, Spence said he’s ready to travel to the UK to bring back the belt to the US.
In 2014, Brook traveled to the US to face Shawn Porter who was then the holder of the IBF welterweight belt. Brook defeated Porter via a majority decision.
“I’m excited. This is something I’ve been working for my whole life for, through the amateurs, training 24/7 just for this opportunity,” Spence told ESPN in a telephone interview shortly after the deal was made. “It’s a dream come true and I will not let this opportunity pass me by,” he said
“I know I’m definitely coming back with the belt. It might be a knockout, it might be a win by decision but the end result is I’m coming home with the belt,” said Spence right after fight announcement last February.
Retired fighter Floyd Mayweather, Jr., who once sparred with Spence believes the 27-year-old fighter from Long Island, New York, said he doesn’t think the Brook-Spence fight will go the distance.
For his part, Brook is confident he will beat Spence saying he recently faced Bundu and Chris Algieri who both have very low KO rates.
“I had what it takes to become a champion and have what it takes to stay one and I have been in with some great fighters,” Brook said.
“He will never have felt the power I have in my shots” he told The Star. “He faced (last two fights) an over-the-hill Leonard Bundu (age 42) and Chris Algieri who had a very low percentage KO rate (33%) and is a 10 stone fighter. Against me he is up against his hardest puncher,” he added.
Spence, who is a southpaw stands 5’9.5″ with a reach of 72″ while Brook, an orthodox fighter is half an inch shorter at 5″9″ and a reach of 69.” Brook, 31, hails from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.
