The family of Kell Brook have revealed that the world champion needed a 'life-saving' operation after being stabbed while on holiday in Tenerife.

The IBF welterweight title holder is in hospital recovering from the "major" surgery which was required following an incident in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Injuries to Brook's leg and arm were initially thought to be fairly unsubstantial, but his family have told in a statement how the Sheffield-born brawler was in a "critical" condition after the attack.

It read: "Kell Brook got stabbed three times in his leg and once in the arm. He was critical, lost a lot of blood. Had a major operation that saved his life.

"The Brook family want to thank all the staff at Tenerife hospital for their great work. The operation was a success and Kell is awake and starting his recovery from this horrendous attack. We thank you all for your well wishes and support."

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was at Brook's bedside on Friday to given an update on the 28-year-old's health.

Brook is unbeaten in 33 professional fights and won his first title by beating Shawn Porter last month.