Kell Brook v Siarhei Rabchanka: Back ex-champ to take a step on his return to the big time

Kell Brook v Siarhei Rabchanka
Saturday, 10.00pm
Live on Sky Sports

Brook a short price but there is value out there

Kell Brook begins what he hopes will be the road back to a recognised world title when taking on Belarussian Siarhei Rabchanka over 12 rounds for the WBC Silver super welterweight title on Saturday. A move up in division from what he's used to, against a little-known opponent for a ranking title, it's little surprise to see Betfair traders price the Englishman like defeat is out of the question.

There will be many value hunters interested in how Special K returns from back-to-back knockout losses but those eager to keep the favourite onside will find their share of attractive prices in the specials markets, including Brook to win in rounds 7-12 enhanced from 6/4 to 2/1 on the Betfair Sportsbook.

Favourite without a win in two years

Proud Yorkshireman Kell Brook boasted a pristine professional record of 36 wins, 25 of those coming inside the distance. He then made the ill-advised move up to middleweight to take on the all-conquering Gennady Golovkin. The gamble backfired - terribly. Brook may have fancied his chances of boxing a come-forward opponent, and they did make a lot of money from the September 2016 contest, but as well as his first career loss Kell also suffered a fractured eye socket, an injury which led to him being pulled out in the fifth round.

That damage came back to haunt the multi award-winning welterweight when being cut-down in 11 by Errol Spence Jr next time, the beaten man tasting canvas twice on the night, failing to rise to his feet the second time. Again, eye socket damage was to blame. The local favourite hasn't won a fight since beating Kevin Bizier in two rounds two years ago at the Sheffield Arena and experts expect a return to the venue to bring about a return to glory. He's 1.09 on the Befair Exchange to get the desired result or those after a bit more can play the method of victory market. KO/TKO goes 1.56 the points verdict 13/8 on the Sportsbook.

Underdog arrives on the back of two KO wins

We'll forgive you for not knowing an awful lot about opponent Siarhei Rabchanka. If that's the case - here's a quick update on everything you need to know. Rabchanka from Minsk is the less experienced man but does boast a solid CV, reading 29 wins against two defeats. He has KO'd 22 of the men placed in front of him and been stopped once himself, by Tony Harrison in America July 2016.

Since suffering that ninth round TKO at the Barclays Center, Siarhei Rabchanka has bounced back with a pair of early stoppage wins against modest opposition, following an opening round victory over Robizoni Omsarashvili with the second round TKO of Siarhei Krapshyla. Neither result will cause Team Brook any stress, especially with both coming in Belarus. The upset win is 12.00 on the exchange, punters more than happy to oppose.

Rabchanka has been brought here to lose

We can ignore Siarhei Rabchanka's recent form for the most part but there's no doubt he carries a bit of power and will be eager to apply the pressure and ask questions of Brook's recent injuries. Causing further eye socket damage looks to be his best chance at a win.

We won't be sucked in and think Eddie Hearn and the team have Rabchanka over here to make things interesting in spells but, mainly, just to roll over and provide Brook with a short-cut back towards the main prizes. Take advantage of that special offer from Betfair traders - Brook to win in rounds 7-12 at 2/1.