In his hometown of Sheffield, Kell Brook made easy work of his IBF welterweight title defense against mandatory challenger Jo Jo Dan. The 28-year old champion knocked Dan down four times before the fight was stopped after the fourth round.
Brook was in control from the opening bell. The ‘special one’ used his left jab and beautiful straight right to keep his opponent at a distance. The champion dropped Dan twice in the second round. First with a right uppercut and only seconds later with a right cross. Although there were still 90 seconds left in the round after the two knockdowns, Brook wasn’t able to finish the fight.
More domination from Brook in rounds three and four. The Romanian challenger had absolutely no answer defensively. Brook’s right hand seemed to land at will, stunning Dan at several occasions. While the challenger did have some slight success offensively, his punches had no power and therefor didn’t stop Brook from coming forward.
An accumulation of punches sent Dan down again with 30 seconds to go in the fourth. At the sound of the bell to end the round, Brook landed a crushing left hook which hurt the 33-year old challenger badly and sent him to the canvas for the fourth and final time in the fight.
Back in his corner, Dan’s team decided that their fighter had enough and requested referee Earl Brown to stop the fight. Which he did.
With this win, Brook improved his undefeated record to 34-0 (23 KO’s). After the fight, promotor of the IBF welterweight champion Eddie Hearn said that he wants a mega-fight between Brook and Khan next. According to Hearn, Wembley stadium is available at June 13 and would be the perfect location to hold the fight between the two British rivals.
“It was truly amazing to walk out in front of all my fans,” said Brook. “I didn’t think I would ever box again but here I am filling arenas. I can’t put into words what it means to be back defending my World title.
“It was hard today holding it together. I felt this is where I belong. I am sorry I have kept you waiting but I hope you have had a good night. I am back baby.
“What a heart. I caught him with some good clean shots n he kept getting back up. He’s never been stopped and he’s a legitimate World title contender that has never been stopped and I have just taken him out in style.
“You see little bits of greatness but much more to come from me and I will be back out in June in a massive fight.
“Amir Khan, Juan Manuel Marquez, Brandon Rios – those are the sort of names I want. Bring them on. I want to entertain the fans and want them to tell me who they want to see me fight – I think the answer is Amir Khan, and if he’s watching – let’s do it, come and fight me.
“I didn’t think I would ever walk again never mind box again and here I am defending my world title in style. I have been given a second chance. The best is yet to come.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “There is a little venue available on June 13 called Wembley Stadium. If Amir Khan is watching give everyone what they want. It is the biggest payday available and it’s for a World title.”
On the undercard, 40-year old journeyman Sergey Khomitsky caused a huge upset by knocking out undefeated hometown favorite Adam Etches in four rounds. The 24-year old prospect saw his record drop to 18-1 (15KO’s).
Meanwhile, Both Frankie Gavin and Gavin McDonnell did their job by scoring wide unanimous decision victories over their overmatched opponents. McDonnell grabbed the vacant European super bantamweight title against Ukranian Oleksandr Yegorov.
