By Nick Halling

Shawn Porter’s victory over Paulie Malignaggi at the weekend will almost certainly result in Sheffield welterweight Kell Brook crossing the Atlantic in the summer for his shot at the IBF belt. Under the terms of their deal, the winner of Porter and Malignaggi were contractually obliged to defend against Brook within 90 days.

Word is that the fight may pop up as chief support on the undercard of Saul Alvarez vs Erislandy Lara bill, currently slated for the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, on the 12th of July. That card is promoted by Golden Boy – whose client list also includes Porter. It’s not a done deal, but it makes perfect sense.

Brook meanwhile is currently in training – not in his native Sheffield, but in Vegas. Another happy coincidence.

Nick Halling is a commentator for Sky Sports.