BROOK EXPECTED TO SHINE IN SHOWCASE FIGHT
Las Vegas, NV– IBF welterweight (147 lb.) champion Kell Brook(34-0, 23 Kos) isn’t facing the most formidable foe in Frankie Gavin (22-1, 13 KOs) on Saturday from the O2 Arena in London. Internet television should be available circa 1 PM PT.
Kell Brook
Gavin is a pretty good domestic fighter of UK ilk. A former amateur world champion, Britain’s first, unfortunately Gavin hasn’t fought the level of Brook as a professional. If Brook is to become the superstar outside of the UK, he needs to win impressively. Considering his rival countryman Amir Khan beat Chris Algieri Friday night on Spike TV and a potential domestic super fight looms in the near future, Kell can’t afford to slip here. This will be the Brit’s second fight since a knife attack in Spain last year left his leg severely injured.
HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT ANTHONY JOSHUA IN STEP UP BOUT
2012 super heavyweight Olympic champion Anthony Joshua (12-0, 12 KOs) faces the defensive minded, but experienced Kevin Johnson (29-6-1, 14 KOs).
Heavyweight Anthony Joshua
This is a litmus test to see if the 248 lb. Joshua can stop Johnson who has never been stopped. It will also be interesting to see the development of the young prospect if the fight goes rounds. He has yet to fight past the third round.
TWO OTHER WORLD TITLE FIGHTS TO BE TELEVISED
In a battle for the WBC lightweight (135) title Jorge Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) faces off against veteran Kevin Mitchell (39-2, 29 KOs). Mitchell, a native of the UK has had an up and down career as has Linares. Slight edge goes to Linares, but Mitchell packs a pretty good punch and Jorge doesn’t take as well as he gives.
126 LB. IBF TITLE TIFF INCLUDED
IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich (19-0-1, 9 Kos) defends against once beaten local Lee Selby (20-1, 8 KOs). Neither guy is a big puncher, but it is a evenly matched contest. The defensively sound Selby is the better boxer, but Gradovich fights using a high volume attack. Interesting clash of styles and 50/50 fight. Another stellar marathon card from one of boxings best promoters in Eddie Hearn.
Kevin Perry