Kell Brook

Not to be confused with Kelly Brook.

Kell Brook
Statistics
Real name	Ezekiel Brook
Nickname(s)	The Special One Special K
Rated at	Welterweight
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Reach	69 in (175 cm)
Nationality	British
Born	(1986-05-03) 3 May 1986 Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	36
Wins	36
Wins by KO	25
Losses	0

Ezekiel "Kell" Brook (born 3 May 1986) is a British professional boxer. He is the current IBF welterweight champion. The Ring magazine ranks Brook as the best welterweight in the world as well as the tenth best, pound for pound. BoxRec ranks him as the eighth best boxer in the world.

Professional career

Early career

Brook's first fight as a professional took place in September 2004 with a 6 round points victory over experienced journeyman Peter Buckley at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield. He would fight again four more times that year to end 2004 with a record of 5-0 in just four months. Brook went about learning his trade against a host of journeymen before getting the opportunity in June 2008 to fight for the British title having compiled a winning record of 16-0.

British Champion

The championship fight at London's York Hall saw Kell Brook take on Welshman Barrie Jones for the vacant crown. The fight was not without controversy however as the previous incumbent, Kevin McIntyre, had been stripped of the title after he sustained an injury and had to pull out of his scheduled defence against the Yorkshireman. Brook ended up winning the vacant belt with a 7th round stoppage of Jones who had come in at relatively short notice.

Having won the belt Brook was then ordered to face the former champion and the bout took take place in Glasgow's Kelvin Hall on 14 November 2008. Prior to the fight and referring to the bad blood that has built up between the two fighter's Brook said "Once I knock out McIntyre in style then there will be no question mark over who should be British champion." When the fight finally did happen, Brook put McIntyre down three times in the first round to win by TKO to send the Glasgow crowd home disappointed.

On 30 January 2009 Brook returned to the York Hall to meet former marine Stuart Elwell in a voluntary second defence. The fight again ended quickly when the referee stopped the fight in the 2nd round handing victory to Brook. He claimed the Lonsdale belt outright on 20 July 2009 when making his third defence against Prizefighter winner Michael Lomax. The fight, at the MEN Arena in Manchester, was on the undercard to Amir Khan's world championship victory over Andreas Kotelnik and saw Brook win by stoppage in the third round. After the fight Brook said that he believed he was the best in Britain but couldn't say for sure until he's beaten Chorley's Michael Jennings who he challenged to a match-up.

Young boxer of the year

On 25 September 2009, Brook pipped fellow champion Nathan Cleverly for the prestigious title of young British boxer of the year voted for by the Boxing Writer's club. The vote was the closest in the history of the award with Brook claiming the honour by one vote over Cleverly who held both the British and Commonwealth titles at light-heavyweight. In winning the award Brook joined a list of boxers which included the likes of Ken Buchanan, John H Stracey, Barry McGuigan, Nigel Benn, Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan.

WBO Intercontinental champion

Brook's first fight of 2010 took place in Liverpool on 12 March 2010. The fight, for the WBO Intercontinental title, pitched Brook against Poland's Krzysztof Bienias, a man last beaten by Junior Witter in 2005 and with a run of seventeen straight wins. Brook collected his second career title when in the sixth round the fight was stopped by the referee following a dominant display by the Yorkshireman. Brook's long awaiting fight against Michael Jennings was due to be next on 3 July 2010 until a rib injury forced the fight to be postponed for a second time. The fight, for Brook's British belt was then scheduled to take place between Jennings and former Commonwealth champion John O'Donnell before O'Donnell pulled out and was then re-scheduled between Brook and Jennings. Finally, on 18 September 2010 Brook boxed Michael Jennings at the LG arena in Birmingham. Kell won the fight in round 5 following a bad cut above the eye sustained by Jennings which the referee deemed bad enough to stop the fight. The win doubled as Brooks's fourth defence of the British title and his first defence of the inter-continental belt. On 9 December 2010 Brook made his second defence of the inter-continental title beating Ghana's Phillip Kotey with the referee waving the fight off during the second round. The win ensured that Brook kept his number one ranking with the World Boxing Organisation.

Move to Matchroom

On 8 April 2011 Brook split from promoter Frank Warren and joined the Matchroom Sport boxing stable under Eddie Hearn with Brook saying that he was "really buzzing" to have joined the outfit. Hearn said that he was "excited about adding Kell to our stable" which had also recently signed Jamie Jackson former amateur British light welterweight champion now turned professional trainer. Speaking of Brook he said "Kell oozes class and has that something special about him – in short he is going to be a superstar." Brook's first contest for the promotional outfit was on 25 June 2011 at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre in Sheffield and resulted in a unanimous 12 round points decision against Lovemore N'dou, claiming the WBA version of the inter-continental title in the process.

Brook vs. Hatton, Jones

On 17 March 2012, Kell Brook took his undefeated run to 27 fights by beating Matthew Hatton brother of Ricky Hatton on points in Sheffield. The scores were 119-107, 119-108 and 118-109 all in favour of Brook. In front of nearly 10,000 fans at the Motorpoint Arena, Brook added the IBF International welterweight title to his WBA Inter-Continental crown. Brook floored Hatton in the ninth round but could not knock out his Mancunian opponent. The fight gave record breaking viewing figures for Sky's Fight Night Live programme it was also the most watched fight of the year in Britain. Afterwards he said on the prospect of facing Khan: "Of course I want Khan, I've been banging on about Amir Khan, but I'm going to do my own thing and if that fight happens, it happens, and I'll smash him. I want to be fighting at that top table now with elite fighters. I think I've proved I deserve to be there."

Brook faced American Carson Jones at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on Saturday 7 July 2012. Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Sport promoted the fight with it being billed "Edge of Glory" as both fighters saw this fight as a stepping stone to a shot at a world title. The fight was shown live on Sky Sports 1. The weigh in took place in Sheffield's Winter Gardens on 6 July with Brook weighing in at 10 st 6 lb 10 oz (60.16 kg) and Jones weighing slightly less at 10 st 6 lb 6 oz (60.04 kg). Brook dominated the early rounds moving well and connecting regularly with nice two and three punch combinations however as the fight went on he began to tire and Jones was able to land shots of his own. Brook's nose was broken in the 8th round which made it yet more difficult for him to come back into the fight. He was almost floored in the final round but was able to hold on until the bell. Brook did enough in the early rounds to win the fight by majority decision, as the judge's scorecards read 114-114, 116-113 and 115-113 in Brook's favour. Brook was taken to Hospital after the fight due to blood loss from his broken nose.

Brook vs. Saldivia

In August 2012 Matchroom Sport announced that Brook would face Argentinian veteran Hector Saldivia at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on 20 October 2012. The winner would then become the mandatory challenger for the IBF welterweight world title held at the time by Randall Bailey. At a packed weigh in the day before the fight at Sheffield's Meadowhall Centre both fighters weighed in under the 147 lbs limit. Brook started strongly knocking Saldivia down midway through the first round. The second round was very similar with Saldivia unable to deal with Brook's superior accuracy and power. In the third Brook landed a solid well timed straight which sent the Argentinian to the floor again. This time he struggled to get up as his legs wobbled beneath him and the referee stopped the contest in the third round.

World Title Challenge part 1

After becoming the mandatory challenger, Brook was set to fight Devon Alexander for the world title on 19 January 2013 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. However, Brook announced he had sustained an ankle injury and the fight was pushed back until 23 February 2013 and the venue changed to the Mosaic Youth Center on Grand in the Heart of Detroit, MI. Then Alexander announced he had a bicep injury causing the fight to re be rescheduled yet again. However, Kell would later pull out of this fight again after re-injuring his ankle, with fellow Brit and Matchroom Stable mate Lee Purdy taking his place but retiring in the 7th round.

Brook vs. Jones II, Senchenko

After the saga with Devon Alexander, Brook took a fight with Carson Jones in Hull on 13 July 2013, in a rematch of their original fight just over a year previously, which Brook won via a narrow majority decision. Brook took the early rounds of this contest looking far too powerful and quick for the American. Kell went on to win by stoppage in the 8th round to take his record to 30-0.

It was announced shortly after the rematch with Carson Jones that Brook would next face Vyacheslav Senchenko at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on 26 October 2013. Senchenko had recently beaten Ricky Hatton forcing him to retire for good from boxing. Brook said he was using this as motivation and wanted to "get revenge" for a British boxing hero and a personal friend within the sport. Hatton was ringside for the fight and spoke to Kell in the dressing room just prior to the fight. The opening and second rounds were very cagey encounters with neither fighter wanting to give too much away with Brook perhaps using his jab more effectively and taking both the rounds. In the third Brook knocked his opponent down with a powerful right with Senchenko taking the 8 count and continuing. Brook started the fourth strongly out boxing his Ukrainian opponent although Senchenko did unsteady Brook for a few seconds before Brook sent Sencheko back to the canvas with another right. Referee Shada Murdaugh concluded that Senchenko was in no position to continue and Brook was declared the winner by technical knockout.

IBF Welterweight Title

Brook vs. Porter

Main article: Kell Brook vs. Shawn Porter

After beating Senchenko, Brook was once again the mandatory challenger for the IBF welterweight world title. Shawn Porter was the favorite to win and came out aggressively as he pressurized Brook, relying heavily on looping shots. Brook kept his composure, however, and showcased formidable defensive attributes, strength, and clean punching throughout the fight. Brook's technical ability took over after the middle rounds as the straight one-two combinations hurt Porter. Brook defeated Porter to win the title at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on 16 August 2014 by a majority decision (114–114, 116–112, and 117–111).

Brook vs. Dan, Gavin

Six months after sustaining a life-threatening injury where he was stabbed three times in the leg and once in the arm during a machete attack, Brook fought his mandatory challenger, Jo Jo Dan. The fight took place on 28 March 2015 in Brook's home town, Sheffield. Brook came out landing straight punches. In round two, a straight right hand wobbled Dan. Brook followed up with a right uppercut that sent Dan to the canvas. Soon after, Brook landed two straight right hands, the first wobbling Dan and the second creating another knockdown. In the fourth round, Brook threw a straight right and left hand that hurt Dan and followed up with a furry that resulted in the third knockdown. The final knockdown was scored at the bell via counter left hand. Dan's corner subsequently stopped the fight in between rounds.

On 30 May 2015 at The O2 Arena, Brook successfully defended his IBF welterweight for the second time just two months after his previous fight. Brook landed his jab from the start and picked up the pace as the fight went on, cutting off the ring and walking through his opponent. Gavin remained defensive but did occasionally find success. In round six, Brook showed versaltility in throwing a variety of combinations, mixing soft and hard punches, while Gavin attempted to avoid trading. As Brook landed an uppercut however, Gavin exchanged a right hand, which was countered by Brook's straight left hand. Gavin staggered back to the ropes, and the referee stopped the fight as Brook threw another flurry.

Brook vs. Bizier

On March 26, 2016 after nearly a year without fighting, Brook stopped mandatory challenger Kevin Bizier in the second round. This was Brook's third mandatory since winning the IBF World title in 2014, who has also since been looking for a 'Big fight'. The fight took place at Sheffield Arena in England. After the bout, Brook and Eddie Hearn talked about potential unification fights against the likes of Tim Bradley, Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman and Jesse Vargas. Brook rocked Bizier with a left to the jaw and he then further dazed the Canadian with a series of hooks. After taking a count, Bizier did not look that interested in carrying on and Brook unleashed a combination that left the Canadian crumpled in a heap.

Brook vs. Vargas

It was announced on May 12, 2016 that negotiations for a unification fight with WBO titleholder Jessie Vargas (27-1, 19 KOs) were under way. Hearn told Sky Sports he had "offered a huge amount of money" to make the fight happen and while he conceded Brook might have to travel to America, Vargas insists he is willing to cross the Atlantic. Danny Garcia, the WBC champion, was top of the list, but Hearn conceded the Vargas fight looked more likely. The contracts are supposed to signed in the coming week. Hearn said the fight will take place Aug. 20, Aug. 27 or Sept. 3 at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Hearn said he is waiting on confirmation from stadium officials on which date they prefer.

Professional boxing record

36 fights, 36 wins (25 knockouts), 0 losses
No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
36	Win	36–0	Kevin Bizier	TKO	2 (12), 2:15	26 Mar 2016	Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England	Retained IBF welterweight title
35	Win	35–0	Frankie Gavin	TKO	6 (12), 2:51	30 May 2015	The O2 Arena, London, England	Retained IBF welterweight title
34	Win	34–0	Jo Jo Dan	RTD	4 (12), 3:00	28 Mar 2015	Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, England	Retained IBF welterweight title
33	Win	33–0	Shawn Porter	MD	12	16 Aug 2014	StubHub Center, Carson, California, US	Won IBF welterweight title
32	Win	32–0	Álvaro Robles	TKO	8 (10), 1:35	15 Mar 2014	Echo Arena, Liverpool, England
31	Win	31–0	Viacheslav Senchenko	TKO	4 (12), 2:57	26 Oct 2013	Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, England
30	Win	30–0	Carson Jones	TKO	8 (10), 1:07	13 Jul 2013	Craven Park, Hull, England
29	Win	29–0	Hector Saldivia	TKO	3 (12), 0:28	20 Oct 2012	Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, England
28	Win	28–0	Carson Jones	MD	12	7 Jul 2012	Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, England	Retained IBF International welterweight title
27	Win	27–0	Matthew Hatton	UD	12	17 Mar 2012	Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, England	Retained WBA Inter-Continental welterweight title Won IBF International welterweight title
26	Win	26–0	Luis Galarza	TKO	5 (10), 1:38	17 Dec 2011	Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
25	Win	25–0	Rafał Jackiewicz	TKO	6 (12), 2:36	8 Oct 2011	Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, England	Retained WBA Inter-Continental welterweight title
24	Win	24–0	Lovemore N'dou	UD	12	25 Jun 2011	Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Sheffield, England	Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental welterweight title
23	Win	23–0	Philip Kotey	TKO	2 (12), 0:39	11 Dec 2010	Echo Arena, Liverpool, England	Retained WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title
22	Win	22–0	Michael Jennings	TKO	5 (12), 0:47	18 Sep 2010	LG Arena, Birmingham, England	Retained British and WBO Inter-Continental welterweight titles
21	Win	21–0	Krzysztof Bienias	TKO	6 (12), 2:46	12 Mar 2010	Echo Arena, Liverpool, England	Won WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title
20	Win	20–0	Michael Lomax	TKO	3 (12), 2:41	18 Jul 2009	MEN Arena, Manchester, England	Retained British welterweight title; Won Lonsdale Belt (welterweight)
19	Win	19–0	Stuart Elwell	TKO	2 (12), 1:29	30 Jan 2009	York Hall, London, England	Retained British welterweight title
18	Win	18–0	Kevin McIntyre	TKO	1 (12), 2:00	14 Nov 2008	Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, Scotland	Retained British welterweight title
17	Win	17–0	Barrie Jones	TKO	7 (12), 0:42	14 Jun 2008	York Hall, London, England	Won vacant British welterweight title
16	Win	16–0	Darren Gethin	RTD	3 (6), 3:00	22 Mar 2008	International Arena, Cardiff, Wales
15	Win	15–0	Aleksei Stoda	PTS	6	6 Oct 2007	Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, England
14	Win	14–0	Karl David	TKO	3 (8), 2:58	7 Apr 2007	Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
13	Win	13–0	David Kirk	TKO	1 (6), 2:30	9 Dec 2006	ExCel Arena, London, England
12	Win	12–0	Duncan Cottier	TKO	3 (6), 0:45	14 Oct 2006	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
11	Win	11–0	Geraint Harvey	TKO	3 (6), 1:52	1 Jun 2006	Metrodome, Barnsley, England
10	Win	10–0	Ernie Smith	PTS	6	29 Apr 2006	Meadow Bank Sports Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland
9	Win	9–0	Ernie Smith	PTS	4	10 Sep 2005	International Arena, Cardiff, Wales
8	Win	8–0	Jonathan Whiteman	TKO	2 (4), 2:26	9 Jul 2005	Ice Arena, Nottingham, England
7	Win	7–0	Ernie Smith	PTS	6	15 May 2005	Octagon Centre, Sheffield, England
6	Win	6–0	Lee Handley	PTS	6	4 Mar 2005	Magna Centre, Rotherham, England
5	Win	5–0	Karl Taylor	PTS	6	19 Dec 2004	Reebok Stadium, Bolton, England
4	Win	4–0	Brian Coleman	TKO	1 (4), 1:08	10 Dec 2004	Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Sheffield, England
3	Win	3–0	Leeroy Williamson	TKO	2 (6), 0:35	9 Nov 2004	Leeds United FC Banqueting Suite, Leeds, England
2	Win	2–0	Andy Cosnett	TKO	1 (6), 1:01	29 Oct 2004	Hotel Van Dyk, Clowne, England
1	Win	1–0	Peter Buckley	PTS	6	17 Sep 2004	Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, England	Professional debut

Titles in boxing

Achievements
Regional titles
Vacant Title last held by Kevin McIntyre	British welterweight champion 14 June 2008 – 18 September 2010 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Sam Eggington
Previous: Kevin McIntyre	Lonsdale Belt welterweight champion 18 Jul 2009	Next: Sam Eggington
World titles
Preceded by Shawn Porter	IBF welterweight champion 16 August 2014 – present	Incumbent

Personal life

Brook is half-Jamaican on his biological father's side. He was raised by his adoptive father Terry and his mother Julie. He has two daughters with his long time girlfriend Lindsey.

Major and minor titles held

• BBBofC British welterweight (June 2008)
• WBO Inter-Continental welterweight (March 2010)
• WBA Inter-Continental welterweight (June 2011)
• IBF International welterweight (March 2012)
• IBF world welterweight (August 2014)

External links

• Amir Khan believes that he would have no trouble beating Kell Brook if the pair were to meet | Boxing News. ESPN.co.uk (2013-03-19). Retrieved on 2014-08-22.
• Kell Brook forced to postpone IBF welterweight title fight with Devon Alexander for third time | Boxing News. ESPN.co.uk (2013-04-15). Retrieved on 2014-08-22.