British boxer Kell Brook could have his shot at his first world title against Devon Alexander put back by three to four weeks due to an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old's promoter Eddie Hearn has requested that the fight, which is scheduled for January 19, be delayed in order to remove any "risk" of further damage to the Sheffield-born welterweight.

"Kell sustained an ankle injury that has hampered his training and running work over the last few days," BoxRec News quotes Hearn as saying.

"I'm concerned mainly for the travelling UK fans and it's in no-one's interest for the fight to fall through closer to the time, so last night I requested a three to four week delay to the original date of January 19. This will eradicate the risk and ensure Kell will be 100% for the biggest fight of his life."

Hearn confirmed that Brook suffered the problem while running.