World Champion Kell Brook is ready to defend title in front a red hot Sheffield atmosphere this Saturday night against the dangerous Jo Jo Dan.
Having fully recovered from being sickeningly stabbed on holiday last year, weeks after securing the world title in the States, Brook will be looking to give his home crowd an electric performance in South Yorkshire this week end.
However his opponent is no dud and comes to British shores with a solid reputation and the confidence of a man who believes he can deliver a knock out blow. The rankings don’t lie, Dan is the first in line to have a crack at Brook and won’t be intimidated by the hostile reception he may receive.
The big question is, how much did Brook’s nightmarish set back affected him? He had been on top of the world one week, only to fall to rock bottom shortly after and to find himself in a position where he could have lost his life. You fear whether he will be the same both mentally and physically after such a traumatising experience.
Although time has been on his side and he was handed a lengthy spell to prepare for his next fight after the incident. Brook certainly doesn’t lack confidence and seems to be back in shape and ready to put on a show if you believe his body language. The world champion must know he is up against a worthy opponent, who has yet to be knocked out, so will not be taking the fight lightly by any means.
The fact of the matter is that if the Englishman, tipped to possibly face off against Amir Khan if he comes through this fight, is in the right state of mind and somewhere near his best – he will come out on top. It will be interesting though, to see if Brook is at the races and if Dan has the firepower to make him suffer if he isn’t.