Kell Brook has admitted that he is "devastated" after being stabbed in the leg while on holiday in Tenerife.
The IBF welterweight champion underwent surgery in the early hours of yesterday morning after being attacked while on a night out in the island.
The 28-year-old said: "I was out enjoying a night out before returning home to the UK when I was the victim of an unprovoked attack.
"I'm devastated right now after being on such a high having achieved my dream of becoming world champion in Los Angeles last month. This is obviously a major setback but the thought of defending my title is what's keeping me positive right now.
"I want to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy for myself and my family at this time. Make no mistake, I will be back."
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that it is "unrealistic" that Brook will be ready for the defence of his title in December, but hopes that the Sheffield fighter will be ready to return to the ring early next year.