DOWN GOES DAN: Four Knocks and Out, Brook Gets W in England

The Special One is what they call the current pride of Sheffield, Kell Brook, and he defended his IBF welterweight crown against Jo Jo Dan in England on Saturday, in a manner which suggested his nickname isn’t a hyperbolic reach.

This bout ran on Showtime, and their viewers saw the 28-year-old Brook start strong and finish it early, as overmatched Dan hit the deck four times, with his corner saying no mas before the fifth started.

The Brit, now 34-0 (23 Ks), had good luck with his right against the lefty, promoted by Lou Dibella. We saw Brook look calm, poised, confident, as he ripped uppercuts, before Dan (now 34-3, with 18 Kos; age 33), the mandatory challenger, tied him up on the first few rounds. In close, Dan knew he would get picked apart, so he made it messy. Not messy enough; he felt the Brook power early, and often and had no answer.

Down the Romanian-born loser went twice in the second, how much longer would it go? A right upper, then a straight right in the second, those were the telling blows.

The Brit was stabbed last year and looked none the worse for wear, happily. In the fourth, the hand speed spoke, and down went Dan. He was up, clear eyes, and he tried to wing launches to turn the tide. A left hook at the bell felled Dan once again. This was the fourth time he went down. The ref said no mas, on advice of the corner, and Dan didn’t come out for the fifth.

Brook after said he thought he’d never walk again, let alone box, so yes, he feels happy and humbled. What’s next? Amir Khan in June is target one; also brnadon Rios and Juan manuel Marquez if he doesn’t retire, the winner said.

The win had to be the sweetest ever for Brook, who nearly lost his life 20 days after winning his IBF crown. A March 2014 holiday in Spain turned to terror and a living horror movie, when a man whacked him with a machete, four times, and blood was spurting out of his left leg. He was taken to a hospital, stitched up, and today was able to show the world that a machete ain’t no match for this man.

Any hints from Khan if he’s keen to rumble with Mr. No Match For a Machete? Here is what Khan Tweeted after the Brook win:

Well done Kell nice to see you back in the ring #EasyWork

— Amir Khan (@AmirKingKhan) March 28, 2015

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