Kell Brook has conceded that a defeat against bitter rival Amir Khan in their upcoming grudge match would scar him for life.
The northern pair – Brook from Sheffield, Khan from Bolton – are due to settle their long-standing and acrimonious rivalry at the Manchester Arena on Saturday February 19.
And when asked on Sky Sports how he would handle a potential defeat, Brook admitted he would hang his head in shame forever.
He said: ‘It’s unthinkable for me. It’s been talked about that much, I’d have to walk with my head down for the rest of my life.
‘He (Khan) knows this as well – there’s a lot of pressure on this fight because of how long it’s been going on, the build-up… this is the best in Britain, this is Khan vs Brook, this is the one. This is bragging rights to the maximum.’
Khan replied: ‘Defeat? I haven’t thought about it and I don’t want to think about it. I can’t lose the fight.
‘That’s why I’m going to be training the hardest ever. For me, it is equivalent to a world title fight.’
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‘Special K’, 35, has a record of 39-3 from his 42 fights, while ‘King’ Khan has won 34 and lost five of his 39 match-ups, suggesting the duo are evenly matched.
The fight a long time in the making given their long-standing war of words – will take place at a maximum of 149lb, two lbs above the welterweight limit, with the ring walks expected at around 10pm UK time. Tickets sold out in just 10 minutes.