Kell Brook to defend against Errol Spence Jr. if no unification

After moving up two divisions in a failed bid for Gennady Golovkin’s middleweight titles, Kell Brook has decided to defend his own belt instead. The IBF welterweight titleholder tells ESPN that he’ll return to welterweight, and that if he can’t get a unification fight he’ll make his mandatory title defense against Errol Spence Jr.

"I had a meeting with Eddie and told him I am not prepared to give up my title," said Brook.

"I know there are options at 154 pounds and I may even be more suited there but I am not willing to give up what I fought so hard for. I want the unification fights but if they aren't there then it will be Spence next for me in a big UK show."

The fight would be expected to happen next spring, but in the meantime Brook remains on the mend, healing up from a broken orbital bone which required surgery. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says Manny Pacquiao would be the ideal unification bout they’d like to make but Spence is right behind that.

So, assuming Kell Brook does make his mandatory defense against Spence, do you think he gets back to 147 without compromising himself? Would you pick him to beat Spence?