Due to the recent and tragic bombings at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, there will be increased security at several upcoming major events in England, including the IBF welterweight fight between Kell Brook and Errol Spence Jr.
South Yorkshire Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts told the Sheffield Star that the authorities will work tirelessly to reassure the public of their safety in light of the bombings that killed at least 22 and injured at least 59 people. The fight, which will take place at the Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England, is expected to have roughly 30,000 people attend the bout.
“You’ll now see an increased police presence of both armed and unarmed officers in crowded places," Roberts said. "This increase in policing is not based on a specific threat to South Yorkshire, simply our intention to offer reassurance and allow you to go about your business knowing that we stand with you. I know many of you will have plans for the bank holiday weekend which may include large events such as the Kell Brook fight, Take That or James Arthur concert. We’re working closely with all of the event planners for such events now to review security arrangements and ensure you can enjoy the event as much as possible, but I do ask that you follow the event online for further updates.”
The welterweight title fight is just the latest in a series of major world title fights taking place in England. In April, Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko sold out Wembley Stadium in London and Terry Flanagan defended his WBO lightweight title against Petr Petrov at the Manchester Arena, the venue where the May 22 bombings took place.
Brook vs. Spence Jr. will headline a Showtime-televised card on May 27. That card will also feature George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov for a vacant super middleweight world title.
