Kell Brook Retains With Easy Stoppage of Gavin
By Alexey Sukachev - The TBRB #3 rated welterweight in the world, Kell Brook, successfully defended his IBF crown with an easy stoppage of overmatched compatriot Frankie Gavin, who on paper looked slightly better than he was in reality. And the reality was truly harsh for the 2007 amateur world champion and 2008 Beijing Olympian (who never competed due to weigh issues). Gavin was stopped with nine seconds remaining in the sixth round. The only problem for 29-year-old Brook, who is half a year younger than Gavin (22-2, 13 KOs), was his opponent's southpaw stance but through thirty-four victorious fights Brook has enough experience to deal with any type of opponent. However, the British hopeful didn't start strong or quick against IBF #4 rated Gavin. Instead, Brook chose not to rush in but to wisely take his time. He was gradually increasing his pressure in every round, trying to break Gavin down mentally and physically. Gavin was answering with some stiff jabs and lateral movement in the first few rounds. He was less active than Brook but he delivered some punches of his own, even though the champion played little attention. He was also circling to his right - not the best idea against Brook, who is equally strong with both hands. As the rounds passed by, it became obvious that former BBBofC and Commonwealth champion didn't possess enough power to shake Brook with diminutive chances to outbox him. Brook cornered Gavin several times in the fifth round and repeated the trick in the sixth, although the bout was mostly methodical and lacked fireworks.