Kell Brook makes his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring this Saturday, as he meets Sergey Rabchenko in Sheffield.

The contest sees Brook making his debut at super welterweight, with the WBC silver belt on the line, after losing his IBF welterweight world title in a brutal fight against Errol Spence Jr last May.

'Special K' has also fought at middleweight against Gennady Golovkin, and he should feel more at home in his new division.

At 31, the clock is beginning to tick on Brook's career, particularly as he's already got 38 professional bouts behind him.

Considering the serious injuries he's suffered to his eye socket in the last two fights against Spence Jr and Golovkin, he won't want to take much more punishment to that area.

But he's clearly a warrior, and a very talented fighter to boot, and both he and his promotion team at Matchroom will be very confident he can become a two-weight world champion.

And that journey starts with the test against Rabchenko on Saturday night, where he will be backed by his loyal hometown crowd.

His promoter Eddie Hearn believes getting his confidence back after two damaging defeats has been massively important for Brook, and that he's been very brave in the way he's gone about it.

Hearn revealed he's been taking part in brutal sparring, including shots to his previously injured eye sockets, which shows his readiness and toughness ahead of his super welterweight debut.

"Fighters are unique people. Of course, you get hit in sparring and Kell has been hit hard so he's felt it on his cheeks", he said in an interview with Sky Sports.

"This time, he's used to it and it's nothing new. He is incredibly tough and courageous to want to come back, prove people wrong and be a world champion again. People should respect that.

"With the injuries and defeats that he has had, it's just about getting through Saturday. That's all we care about. I'm really surprised Rabchenko was the guy that [Brook's team] chose because he can punch and comes forward relentlessly.

"He is a pressure fighter but that should suit Kell. The good news for fans is that we will see where Kell is at in his career, at 154lbs. Rabchenko is bang up for this."

Brook and Hearn are already planning for the future after Saturday night's bout, assuming 'Special K' is able to record a much-needed victory.

According to the Matchroom boss, they are lining up fights with WBC world champion Jermell Charlo, as well as finally sorting a deal to meet Amir Khan in the ring.

"I noticed that when we signed Amir Khan, it gave Kell a sting in his tail," Hearn added. "The last four weeks of camp have been sensational.

"The weight is so perfect for him. He hits so hard at this weight. The problem last time was not just making the weight - it was the IBF check-weight. He couldn't refuel.

"All being well, I want Kell to have a week-off then be back in the gym. At this stage of his career he can't afford [a break]. He has got to make the most of what he's got left - probably three to five fights.

"The plan is box again quickly, it could be June or July. Then to jump in the deep end towards the end of the year, in an ideal world against Amir Khan. Whether it's Khan, Charlo, Sadam Ali, Manny Pacquiao.

"His career is on the line. If he loses on Saturday, it's over."

British fans will be expecting a huge display from Brook, particularly with Hearn's last line ringing in his ears.

Hopefully, this will be the start of his comeback.