Q&A: Dennis Hobson on South Yorkshire's boxing scene

Sam Omaison - needs a test in his next fight.

His last fight was supposed to be a 50-50, but that kind of (quick) KO happens in boxing.

Sam showed his quality, caught the kid early and got him out of there in 30 seconds. He needs more rounds against someone that will test him, against a seasoned pro, and then he’ll be ready for a title. Everything needs to go through Ryan Rhodes, but I’m happy to have him under our promotional banner.

Keith Thurman versus Shawn Porter was postponed, but both are potential future opponents for Kell Brook. How would you see Kell doing against either?

Kell did great over in the States when he beat Porter. It was a close fight and I wasn’t sure he’d get the decision over there, but thankfully he did and we got another Sheffield world champion. If Thurman does beat Porter though, he’s a more formidable opponent. For Kell to get into the elite group of fighters where you don’t sometimes need a belt around your waist to get the big fights, he needs to fight more marquee names. Then he’ll be in big money fights.

At the moment, Kell’s career isn’t progressing as fast as I’d like to have seen it. I’d have tried to get him in with bigger name fighters, and it would be great to have him box them in Sheffield.

I think they have to be careful he doesn’t stagnate; he needs to get in with marquee names and that’s not happening at the moment.

The Khan fight should have happened; it didn’t I think because there were too many cooks spoiling the broth. Now he’s got his mandatory, which doesn’t really excite.

Jason Cunningham has bounced back since being beaten by Ross Burkinshaw - your view on him now he has won the English title?

He’s a lovely lad, and hopefully he goes on to fight for the Commonwealth again because I’ve worked with Stefy Bull on a couple of occasions and helped with Jason’s progress. Stefy has done a great job with him.

The experience he’s had, winning and losing the Commonwealth, moving down to super-flyweight to challenge for the British title, and then moving back up to bantamweight will add to his game.

And Gavin McDonnell?

Gavin’s done very well. Stefy has done a good job with him. His brother achieving what he’s achieved has given him a springboard. He’s fit and game. He’s improved a lot; it would be a fantastic achievement if twins from South Yorkshire both became world champions.