In an all-British IBF welterweight showdown at the O2 Arena last night, in the top of the bill fight, Kell Brook stopped his British rival, Frankie Gavin, in six rounds.
Beforehand many had suggested that Gavin was perhaps fortunate to get a world title fight but the Birmingham fighter showed that, despite the loss, he still has a future at the top of the game.
Gavin looked in fine shape as he entered the ring and gave Brook some problems early on, looking, and doing so successfully, to catch Brook with some quick and accurate counter-punches and could well have edged the first round.
The second and third rounds saw Brook get through with some accurate and hard punches to edge ahead on the judge?s scorecards. But, Gavin fought back in the fourth round and probably stole it courtesy of some good work with his right hand countering Brook?s advances.
However, the success Brook was having was beginning to make a mess of Gavin?s face and the challenger sending too much time on the ropes indicated that he was beginning to tire.
Brook?s nights work was to come to an end in round six when he caught Gavin with a right hand, followed by two lovely upper-cuts and the referee stepped in to end the contest.
The win, Brook?s second defence of the IBF belt he won against Shawn Porter in the US, saw the fighter from Sheffield maintain his unbeaten run and as for the brave but defeated Gavin, his record slipped to 22-2.
Brook Retains IBF Welterweight Title
