At The O2 Arena, London, Kell Brook did exactly what he was supposed to against fellow countryman Frankie Gavin. It was billed as an IBF title defense, but of course, panned out more like a brutal sparring match. Brook got the job done inside 6 rounds, with Gavin making no excuses post fight. Gavin was pleased with his performance, but acknowledged Brook was the superior operator. Great sportsmanship for the brave Gavin.
Were fight fans who witnessed the ‘Rule Britannia’ card angered by this mismatch of a headliner? Probably not. They’d witnessed an action-packed fight card featuring tasty matchups such as Selby vs Gradovich and Mitchell vs Linares. Oh, and the savage Joshua vs Johnson.
This was a great night of boxing. Not huge, breathtaking spectacles, but decent, satisfying bouts, including three world title fights. Matchroom Boxing got the job done. In fact, at the end of the evening, one couldn’t help but even feel a little ‘boxed out’!
After a feeling-out opener, it was clear Brook was going to end this defense inside the distance. Frankie Gavin, 29, is a decent technical fighter, but his strength, frame, power – it all paled next to Brook. What did Sheffield’s Brook, 29, really have to fear?
Not a lot. And it became evident quickly. Brook was prepared to walk through Gavin’s jabs, and even willing to take a few sharp counters. Because Brook was all about one thing: closing the distance, cutting the ring off, and breaking down his man.
From the 2nd round, Brook began letting his hands go and landing some heavy blows. Brook never took a step back when Gavin fired his single shots, and looked totally in control throughout. In the 6th, Brook finally dispatched of his challenger after landing a crunching right-hand to Gavin’s jaw. Brook then overwhelmed his foe with power shots until Gavin quite literally wilted on the ropes.
At that point, the referee stepped in. And it couldn’t have come sooner.
Following the win, Brook builds to 35-0, 24 knockouts, while Gavin falls to 22-2, 13 knockouts.
Brook vs Gavin: Round by Round
Round 1
Both men feel each other out in the opener. Brook edges the round as he lands the cleaner, scoring punches. Gavin is going to have his hands full with Brook.
Round 2
Brook already starts closing the distance and making Gavin uncomfortable. Jabs, right-hands in particular, are finding the target. It has to be said Gavin is connecting on occasion with his own singular shots – but Brook is utterly unfazed by his power.
Round 3
More pressure from Brook, letting his hands go more, but Gavin has his best round landing some snappy counters.
Round 4
Gavin is putting in a good show of himself, but Brook is starting to really get on top of him and land some heavy shots. Not looking good for Gavin at all as the bell approaches.
Round 5
Gavin looks very uncomfortable here. Brook throws hard combinations at a rope-bound Gavin, now eying the knockout. Gavin hangs in there, and seems to be looking to spoil Brook’s work to see out the round.
Round 6
In an exchange which sees counter-punches from both men, Brook finally gets his man. Following a counter left-hook, Brook fires a right-hand that sends Gavin staggering back into ropes. Shortly after, Brook chops down his man until the referee steps in.
Brook vs Gavin: Result
Official Result: Brook via 6th round TKO
BoxingBase.com Scorecard: 50-45
Let us know your thoughts on Brook vs Gavin and the ‘Rule Britania’ fight card. Memorable night of British boxing? Or not worthy of the hype?
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