Boxing: Welterweight Champ Kell Brook Injured, Bout vs. Diego Chaves Postponed

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IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook was set to defend his title in his hometown of Sheffield, England, but his Oct. 24 bout with Diego Chaves will have to wait. Brook (35-0, 24 KOs) sustained a rib injury in training and was forced to withdraw from the fight.

According to promoter Matchroom Boxing, the entire fight card will go on as planned at the O2 Arena, but fans seeking a refund will have to wait until Monday when an official statement will be made regarding the tickets.

“It's always a bitter blow when an injury causes a fight to be postponed, especially so close to the event,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kell picked up a rib injury in sparring yesterday and spent most of the day at hospital yesterday. Kell was desperate to fight but it was simply impossible and we will now look to reschedule the bout for the end of the year.”

According promoters, Brook will face Chaves (23-2-1, 19 KOs) later in the year once Brook has fully healed.

Middleweight Chris Eubank Jr. will now headline the event when he fights Tony Jeter. Also still slated for the bill will be bantamweight Gavin McDonnell vs. Jeremy Parodi.