Kell Brook vs Carson Jones 2 Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter @boxingbrains):

Almost a year ago, after 6 rounds, everything was going so smoothly at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield. But suddenly Kell Brook ran into a brick wall, in both himself and the 44 fight veteran, Carson Jones.

At the end of the torturous 12 rounds, Kell Brook was left beaten but still undefeated, but barely as his American opponent received all the praise for a performance not expected from a boxer seen as nothing more than a stepping stone for the 'Steel City's' latest star.

After the conclusion of the fight it was revealed that the lack of a nutritionist had cost Brook dearly in making the weight in a healthy manner. Using his only win since as a measuring stick would not offer a conclusive evaluation as Hector David Saldivia was stopped in the 3rd round - an impressive victory but Saldivia had been demolished in 1 round by the raw Said Ouali.

Brook was then set to challenge IBF Welterweight champion, Devon Alexander. Although Brook had impressed throughout his career, Alexander was for the majority - including myself - the favourite to win the fight. But as it happened, several cancellations due to injuries, culminated in the proposed affair being called off altogether. Since then Alexander dominated the outgunned replacement Lee Purdy, while Kell Brook has not fought since October 2012.

So now Kell Brook and everyone watching can witness the improvements - if any - Brook has made in the 12 months since Brook and Jones first collided.

Since the fight, Jones has himself a 3rd round stoppage victory added to his resume, but a draw at the hands of late replacement Dean Byrne cast a dark cloud over how good Jones really is. Although many blame the poor showing on lack of motivation after preparing for Lee Purdy.

The performance vs Brook may well have overshadowed the fact that Carson Jones had already lost 8 times in his career, and besides the occasional recognisable name - like Jesus Soto Karass - Jones has not mixed it with the highest level of company.

So with viewers now taking more notice of Jones' record, the expectations for Brook to impress have risen. This time around there will be no room for a lacklustre performance.

While Brook insists he wants a knockout victory, it is likely that for the opening 4 or 5 rounds the 27 year old will box gracefully off the back foot, not expending any more energy than needed. Once Jones becomes desperate, Brook can pick the OKC fighter off before teeing off with shots to the head and body.

Brook may come close to a stoppage but with this fight only scheduled for 10 rounds, that may well prevent him from capping off an otherwise faultless night.

 

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On a packed bill that includes, Curtis Woodhouse, Lee Selby, Rocky Fielding, Anthony Ogogo and the debut of Luke Campbell, the pick of the lot is Derry Matthews vs Tommy Coyle.

With his only defeat coming in the Prizefighter, Coyle will be looking to add his largest scalp of his 16 fight career. but expect Derry Matthews to force the action, and landing enough clean blows to discourage the hometown fighter. Although Coyle will have his moments, Derry's aggression and power will be enough for him to control the fight throughout. Matthews can stop Coyle in the championship rounds.