Kell Brook-Kevin Bizier Deal Reached, Purse Bid Called Off
By Carlos Boogs
The International Boxing Federation has revealed that a deal was struck for IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook (35-0, 24KOs) to make a mandatory defense of his title against Canadian contender Kevin Bizier (25-2, 17KOs). A March date is expected.
Brook's last mandatory defense was made when he knocked out Jo Jo Dan in four rounds on last March in Sheffield. He then made a voluntary defense in May with a sixth round TKO of Frankie Gavin.
He was set to make a defense against Diego Chaves in the fall, but withdrew with a rib injury. The two sides were unable to reschedule the fight after the IBF issued a mandatory order which directed Brook to face Bizier next or give up the title.
Not many are giving Bizier a shot to win, mainly due to the fact that he was beaten twice by Dan - who Brook already obliterated.
Dan won a close twelve round split decision over Bizier in December 2014 to earn the shot at Brook. It was the second time Bizier lost a close split decision to Dan.
Bizier made a statement last year when earned hi opportunity at the IBF belt with with an upset stoppage of unbeaten Fredrick Lawson, who was dropped and suffered a broken jaw in defeat.