Kell Brook set to face Lovemore N'dou

BoxRec News understands that Kell Brook's first opponent under his new promoter Matchroom Sport will be former IBF light-welterweight world champion Lovemore N'dou.

Brook is set to headline a show in his home city of Sheffield for the first time on June 25th.

The Sydney-based South African (48-12-2) has become an archetypal 'gatekeeper' for boxers hoping to step into world class.  There is little doubt that the 39 year-old is on the slide but he certainly marks an improved level of opposition for Brook.

N'dou has performed creditably over the years against several high quality performers, losing on points to, amongst others, Sharmba Mitchell, Miguel Cotto, Junior Witter, Paulie Malignaggi (twice) and Kermit Cintron. His most recent outing was a very wide points loss to Saul Alvarez for the WBC Silver belt at light-middleweight in December.

N'dou has boxed in Britain twice before, most recently earning a draw in November 2009 against Matthew Hatton. This result puts things into perspective - if Brook has the world class attributes many feel he has, he really should improve upon Hatton's result and look to impress.

A stoppage win might be too much to ask though. N'dou is incredibly tough. Brook's stablemate Witter had N'dou over in their 2005 fight but badly injured his hand in doing so and says that the African has the toughest head he's ever hit.