Sheffield’s Kell Brook is aiming to make a lasting statement on the welterweight division when he defends his IBF world title against southpaw Frankie Gavin at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.
The 29-year-old Yorkshireman had previously sought out a super showdown with fellow Briton Amir Khan at Wembley, but the Bolton boxer instead opted for a bout with Chris Algieri on American soil, with Brook set to contest ‘Funtime’ Gavin in the capital.
Undefeated ‘Special K’ boasts an impressive flawless record of 34-0 so far in his career, and rallied to a world title triumph over American Shawn Porter last August, before successfully retaining his crown in a maiden defence against Romanian Jo Jo Dann in March this year.
Brook’s victory over Porter was the first time in 28 years that a British fighter had secured a world title win on United States soil, having secured a famous majority decision triumph, and the determined IBF champion is 15/8 with Coral to defend his belt again on points.
The undefeated welterweight has outlined his desire to put on a spectacle for boxing lovers in London on Saturday in his box office bout with fellow Englishman Gavin, with a rapturous crowd of 18,000 fans expected to attend, as he attempts to extend that unhampered record to 35 straight wins.
“I’m expecting Frankie Gavin to come and fight. We will give the fans what they want and that’s action,” declared Brook.
“I’m looking to seek and destroy and prove I’m the number one in the world in the division. I want to make the statement that I’m the man in this division.”
Brook’s latest opponent Gavin has so far failed to live up to his early career potential as an amateur, when he became the first Briton to secure a world championship gold medal, having dazzled all who came face-to-face with him Chicago in 2007.
“I know Frankie will be up for it because if you’re not up for a world title fight, you won’t be up for any fight, so I know what he will bring,” continued Brook.
“No corners have been cut in the gym and we’re ready. Frankie is a class act and can cause anyone problems at world level.
“I love boxing and I’m very competitive. Even at a game of snooker I’m a bad loser, so I make sure I put the work in.”
Birmingham-born Gavin has only ever tasted one defeat in his career (22-0-1), losing to Leonard Bundu last year, with his former Sierra Leone counterpart earning a split decision triumph, but he is 10/1 to cause an upset over Brook on points in London.
“I can’t wait. Everything has gone to plan. Last year fighting for the world title looked like a long shot, but it’s come now,” stated Gavin.
“Kell has given me the opportunity to fight for his title and I won’t let the fans down.
“I’ve trained hard and have pushed myself to places I’ve never been before. I’m ready to win the world title.”
Gavin overcame Bogdan Mitic on points earlier in the year and will be hoping to stun his heavily-favoured opponent on Saturday night (18/1 KO or TKO), with Brook odds-on 4/7 to secure a stoppage victory.
