By Robbie Bannatyne: There was a period when it appeared Kell Brook was allowing procrastination to be the thief of his time as his talent and potential wasn’t really translating into tangible results it deserved.
Sure, he was unbeaten, but he was also virtually unknown to boxing fans outside of Britain, and had never been in a big fight.
However, that all changed when he traveled across the Atlantic and tore the IBF welterweight title from Shawn Porter with a punch perfect performance that got everyone’s attention.
Then, just as it appeared that the sky was the limit for the Sheffield man, he came crashing back down to earth with an almighty bang when he was stabbed in the leg whilst on holiday. But as they say, joy wouldn’t feel so good if wasn’t for pain, and out of the darkness Kell emerged into the light, with a new perspective and a deeper appreciation of just how privileged a position he is in.
Since his recovery from that terrible, career threatening injury, Kell Brook has wasted no time at all, defending his title twice inside 3 months- against mandatory challenger Jo Jo Dan and Frankie Gavin respectively.
Despite scoring knockout victories in both contests, his impressive performances were derided by the cynics who dismissed his opponents as cannon fodder. Time to ‘step up and face the elite’ claim the frowning critics, who seem to have conveniently forgotten that Brook has exhausted all avenues in a bid to secure an epic bout with fellow Brit and arch rival, Amir Khan. For reasons only Amir Khan can understand, the Bolton man does not want to fight Brook.
Brandon Rios certainly does, though.
But when it was announced that Brandon Rios is indeed the frontrunner to face Kell next I could almost hear the collective sigh of some boxing fans. The disappointment of some fans is palpable, yet I cannot be the only fan who is delighted at the prospect. Kell Brook vs Brandon Rios would be a brilliant prize fight. Two young warriors willing and able to go to war in a world title fight. What is not to like?
It stems from the fact that many supposed combat connoisseurs class Brandon Rios as a crude brawler whose boxing skill is limited at best. Well they are wrong. But don’t take my word for it, listen to Andre Ward, who insists that Brandon Rios is one of the best inside fighters in boxing. I have to agree with Ward, Brandon Rios is the classic phone box fighter who brings the fire from close range. He’s not a stylist, but he isn’t just a come forward slugger either. Rios has mastered the art of inside fighting, a skill many feel is fast becoming a forgotten relic in the fight game.
The belief of some boxing fans that Kell Brook vs Brandon Rios is a mismatch borders on delusional. Make no mistake, Rios would be Brook’s toughest assignment to date. Forget all the four gone conclusion nonsense- it would be a closely fought and competitive fight, with both fighters throwing shots until the sound of the final bell. If Brook boxes to the best of his ability, he beats Brandon Rios by a close but unanimous decision. However, if Brandon Rios smothers Kell Brook, forcing him into a phone booth fight, you wouldn’t bet against him beating the British boxer.
It is a good fight for Brook. It is a good fight for Rios. It is a good fight for the fans.
Most importantly, it is a good fight for boxing.
Do you agree?
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