Kell Brook vows to show true self in Hector Saldiva fight

Brook had a close shave in his last bout against Carson Jones, the Briton ending a bout he was expected to win comfortably bloodied and bruised before he prevailed on a majority decision.

He is now just one fight away from a world title shot and, with the Jones bout still fresh in the memory, the “Special One” said today that no corners were cut in a gruelling 12-week training schedule for the fight against the 28-year-old Argentinian (41-2).

“This fight is an important one for me and my team, I’m one step away from having a crack at being the world champion,” Brook said.

“If Hector has gone off my last performance, well that wasn’t me. Things have been addressed and I’m a different animal. I am in the best shape I have been in, and I have been fighting for 17 years.

“I’m eating well, drinking plenty and I have never been better. I am taking plenty of recovery time and I have had a brilliant 12-week training camp. I am pushing myself more than ever before.

“I want this more than ever and I have got the eye of the tiger. I have left no stone unturned and this Saturday you’re going to see the best of Kell Brook — one that’s good enough to take care of Hector Saldivia.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn expects his charge to show his true self on Saturday night.

“We’ve seen him embrace the new changes and the diet and he now realises the animal he can be. In a fight I don’t think you’ve seen more than 60 per cent of what he can do yet.”

Saldiva was a man a few words, but said: “Thank you (to Brook) for inviting me. I am in the best form of my life and I have been waiting for this moment for a long time.”