Tough Pole Jackiewicz next rung on Kell Brook's world title ladder

Sheffield welterweight Kell Brook will fight 34 year-old Pole Rafal Jackiewicz at the Ponds Forge Arena in his home town of Sheffield on Saturday October 8th knowing victory could lead to a world title challenge next year.

The unbeaten 25 year-old will be defending his WBA Inter-continental title.

Former European champion Jackiewicz, nicknamed 'Braveheart', doesn't hold a particularly impressive paper record of 38-9-1 and his red column includes reverses against Ted Bami and Michael Jennings - though these were seven years ago. However, he has improved since. His only defeat since dropping a majority decision against Italian Gianmario Grassellini in 2005 was a losing challenge to IBF champion Jan Zaveck last September. Jackiewicz had previously beaten Zaveck in 2008. The Pole is 23-1 in his last 24.

Brook is coming off a highly impressive performance in outpointing Lovemore N`dou where he displayed patience, precision and a lot of maturity.

'Special K' is considered one of the hottest prospects in British boxing but knows one slip could be fatal and will prepare accordingly against the IBF number five contender.

“I can’t wait to fight in Sheffield again,” said Brook. “The atmosphere at the Lovemore N’dou fight was incredible and I’m sure it’s going to be even better at Ponds Forge. Jackiewicz is a tough opponent who has held the European belt and challenged for a world title so he will provide a great test for me.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Brook wiil be the next big British boxing star and recently told me his man would "destroy Amir Khan". He has big plans to match Brook with Khan when he steps up to 147lbs and has Kell's map to that blockbuster carefully planned.

“I'm delighted to bring Kell back to Sheffield again on October 8, especially after the special atmosphere that the fans created at his last fight,” said Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Rafal provides the next step up in terms of tests for Kell and with both fighters knowing they are on the verge of a world title shot, a slip up here can destroy any dreams so you can expect an explosive fight.

“Kell is on the threshold of a world title shot and victory against Jackiewicz could set up an early 2012 shot with WBA champion Vyacheslav Senchenko. I've also had discussions with Lou DiBella about the prospect of meeting Andre Berto should he capture the IBF title against Jan Zaveck in September and with Rafal's number five IBF rating, this is a real possibility.”

Matchroom have a habit of success and Eddie has brought a much needed fan and media friendly approach which has seen him also add Carl Froch and Darren Barker to his glowing stable. Hearn told me he is already looking to stage a blockbuster British event with the WBC super-middleweight champion, world title challenger Darren Barker and Brook all on the bill.  Barker challenges pound for pound number three Sergio Martinez for his middlewight crown one week earlier. Brook is keen to join Britain's other world champions Amir Khan, Ricky Burns and Nathan Cleverly and I am convinced 'the special one' belongs in that league.