By Simon Hirst: Saturday 7th July 2012 was meant to be the night two British lions roared to success after proving their credentials and intentions to go on and challenge for world honours. That was the script. It seems two certain Americans, in their own opposite ways, had not read this script. More than that, they did everything to ruin it.
Fighting in his hometown of Sheffield, Kell Brook was world rated and ready to jump to a world title. Standing in front of him was a younger, but equally as hungry challenger in Carson Jones. Let’s be honest though, this was Brook’s moment to shine, to prove to the world he is champion in waiting.
What transpired over the first six rounds was written in this script. Brook controlled the action, landing at will, throwing the jab and using good movement to move away from Jones attack. It was looking a question of how long could Jones survive the waves of attack from Brook.
Then in complete contrast, almost like a different fight was happening, Jones caught up with Brook, who seemed to tire and not be able to use his slick skills to dodge attacks. Instead, Jones was tagging Brook, making Brook look uncomfortable. Jones was relentless, not giving Brook a chance to breathe for any of the three minutes, whilst Brook’s boxing almost abandoned him. Gone was the neat footwork to guide him out of trouble, the snapping jab to force back Jones to allow his feet to twinkle and the power seemed to have sapped anytime Brook did throw.
With the first six rounds in Brook’s favour, Brook almost spent himself out in rounds two of the last six to try to steal them with a renewed attacks. This worked for two of the judges who gave him the decision. However, huge chinks in Brook’s armour had been long exposed. It seems if you can take Brook’s shots and take it into the last half of the fight, with relentless pressure, he is vulnerable. Of course, Brook had to deal with a broken nose as well as Jones, but this was not the night he wanted. But maybe, if used as a wake up call, it will help him improve in the future.
Let’s look at the positives first. Brook did exceptionally well, given the broken nose, to survive some of the attacks. He showed heart, a chin, grit and determination. Lesser fighters would have crumbled to Jones’ pressure. Brook didn’t and stuck it out to claim the win. In the first half of the fight, he picked his punches well, used a nice jab and movement to control the fight and landed power punches well. Another positive is this was his first delve into world class and the experience he gained is perhaps more valuable than if he had put in a punch perfect fight.
However, there are negatives and things to improve. Brook seemed to pace the fight well in the first six, but couldn’t handle the pressure in the last six, which leads me to questions over his stamina. Brook didn’t overly exert himself or seem to punch himself out, so why did seemingly come unstuck in the latter part of the fight. Brook could stun Jones, but didn’t look like he was going to force a stoppage, despite clean hard blows, so does Brook really have the power to mix it with the best? Forget the result, who came out the fight looking better? Who would you rather fight next if you are in their division, Jones or Brook? I would argue Jones come off with more credit.
If I was Eddie Hearn, I would like to see a rematch of this. It was fun to watch and a close fight. I’m sure Brook would like a rematch to improve on his performance, where as I am sure Jones would fancy his chances second round time. If not, Brook should move onto the Guerrero-Aydin winner, or even Jessie Vargas or Mike Jones. This is the calibre of opponent it needs to be now for Brook otherwise next time he moves up, he could be caught cold.
On the opposite side of disappointing, Tyson Fury fought Vinny Maddalone. Laughably, Maddalone was described in a channel five advert as world class, perhaps wanting to fool a casual boxing viewer into thinking that a Fury win would be something great. What transpired was little more than an exhibition match. Maddalone could not get close except for his wild lunges where he would throw for the hills and missing even wider. Fury kept him at bay with his huge reach and peppered Maddalone’s face with hard punches. At one point, I am sure I hallucinated and saw Maddalone literally turn into a punchbag.
Then to add to the humour, once the beating was finished in round 5, Fury announced he was ready for anyone, including the Klitschko’s. Apparently beating an old Martin Rogan and Vinny Maddalone has more than made up for the flaws shows against Firtha and Pajkic. The fact is Fury has yet to beat anyone major other than Chisora. I have been told by a reliable source via twitter that they want Adamek next, which could appeal to Adamek. There is a large Polish community in England who would support him and Fury would serve a chance to gain experience against a live tall opponent who would offer some difficulties that he would face against a Klitschko. Fury feels Adamek is the best offer in a low risk for high gain scenario. Im pretty sure that either Klitschko would not be worried by Fury at this stage in his career. With that said, that also sounds like a reason to fight him.
Truth is, the Fury fight was never going to push him into the elite heavyweight class. Brook had his chance and clung on to it rather than pass with flying colours. As a British boxing fan, I think a bit more was expected of Brook and there could be an argument that he failed to deliver. On the more optimistic side, you may say he learned invaluable experience and he came through a tough test, after all, every fighter has tough tests, name a fighter who hasn’t. Brook should go back and work on his weaknesses now he knows what they are and come back stronger. Fury should fight someone ranked in the top 20 to continue his learning at heavyweight. All I hope is next week delivers a little more to expectation that this week!
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