The Sheffield star landed the title in August with a career-high win over Shawn Porter and makes a long-awaited return to action in his hometown, with his first defence of the title being his first fight in the Steel City since he stopped Vyacheslav Senchenko in October 2013.
Brook dives straight into the deep-end following his life-threatening injury when he was attacked whilst on holiday in September as he meets the Canadian-based Romanian Dan, who edged out Kevin Bizier in a final eliminator for ‘The Special One’s’ title in December.
“After everything that’s happened over the last six months, it feels incredible knowing I will be defending my World title in Sheffield,” said Brook. “I want to get this mandatory out of the way and then target those mega fights that are out there in the division. There is no chance that I will be underestimating Jo Jo Dan though as I know how he will be feeling having worked so hard to get into the mandatory position just like I did, but I will be working twice as hard to keep the belt that I earned.”
Brook’s first World title defence is supported by a great undercard as talented Steel City favourite Adam Etches defends his IBF International Middleweight title against Sergey Khomitsky, Gavin McDonnell continues his fairy tale story challenging Ukrainian Oleksander Yegorov for the vacant European Super Bantamweight title. Kal Yafai continues his march towards a World title, GB Podium squad member Charlie Edwards fights for the second time in the paid ranks on the bill. There will be a major announcement early next week regarding a further addition to the stacked card.
“To see Kell walk out in front of a sold-out crowd in his hometown of Sheffield is going to be an emotional night,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kell has gone to America and beaten an American to win the World title – it’s a massive achievement and it shows that he is a very, very special fighter. Jo Jo Dan is a tough fight, there’s no way that Kell can be anything but 100 per cent to beat him – and I have no doubt that he will be. There are some massive fights out there for Kell if he can take care of Jo Jo, but his focus is solely on Dan and I expect him to shine on March 28.”
