Sunday 29 March 2015 13:03, UK
Kell Brook successfully defended his IBF welterweight title with a classy stoppage win over Jo Jo Dan in Sheffield.
The 28-year-old started his reign in dominant fashion, flooring Dan on four occasions before the challenger’s corner stepped in to spare him more punishment at the end of the fourth round.
A shocking machete attack last September had left Brook's ring career in serious doubt, but he showed no signs of the leg injury during a one-sided victory in front of his hometown fans.
Brook, who called out British rival Amir Khan after the fight, oozed confidence from the opening bell, landing crisp rights on Dan, who tried to shuffle out of range in his awkward southpaw stance.
Bristling with calm aggression, Brook was smoothly easing out punches and quickly dumped Dan on the canvas in the second.
A short, sharp uppercut sent his foe staggering onto the floor and he clambered upwards into a whirlwind of punches, with Brook’s right hand dropping Dan for a second time. With his senses scrambled, Dan somehow hung on until the bell.
There was a brief lull in the third as Brook brushed off a little ring rust, continuing to control the fight with his accurate jab.
But he finished the job with a ruthless assault in the fourth. Dan wilted under a torrent of punches and toppled forward onto his gloves. He bravely rose, but came crashing down again when Brook detonated a chopping left hand, just seconds before the bell.
Referee Earl Brown directed a dazed Dan back to his corner and he failed to come out for the fifth, sparking scenes of celebration at the Motorpoint Arena.
