'Genuine dislike' of Khan not hype, says Brook

KELL BROOK says his animosity towards Amir Khan is not hype but "genuine dislike" against his rival, who he will meet in a grudge fight on 19 February in Manchester.

"It's all animosity on my side and I think it is the same from him," Brook was quoted as saying.

"There's no love lost, we don't like each other. This isn't just hype, this is as real as it comes."

"I don't like him, he doesn't like me. And I want to punch him hard. He's never given me any respect, or acknowledged me as a great fighter.

"I've always acknowledged him; I think he's done great in his career and I've never dissed him in that way.

"There's genuine dislike. I just don't like his face basically. He puts things out in the media and he puts it all on me. We both know it's never been me.

"All the years and spite between us, it means everything to both of us. There's definitely fireworks in this fight, make no mistake," the 35-year-old Brook added.

'His last fight'

Between August 2014 and May 2017, Brook was IBF welterweight champion, with 29 wins and three defeats.

On the other hand, Khan's professional record has 34 wins and five defeats, also having won a silver medal in 2004 Olympics.

"Honestly speaking, I don't think Kell has a good chin or can take a shot," Khan was quoted as saying.

"I think his punch resistance is gone. I honestly believe he's just doing the fight for the payday.

"I'm doing this for the public, because it's what they want. If I don't take this fight, people will always say to me 'but you didn't fight Kell'.

"He says he's going to beat me and do this and that. I hope he tries to. But I just don't see him doing anything.

"The bad blood between us, I think it's pure jealousy from him. I'm going to destroy him. It's going to be a masterclass.

"I think he will need to retire after that; this will be his last fight."