Kell Brook vs. Jo Jo Dan
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
The 28-year-old Kell Brook (33-0, 22 KOs) is coming of a very impressive win over Shawn Porter. This is his first fight after having suffered a stab wound while on vacation that left him hospitalized last September.
The 33-year-old Jo Jo Dan, (34-2, 18 KOs) faces a tough test fighting Brook in his backyard in Sheffield, England. He’s won five straight to get into position to face Brook and secure a title shot.
Dan is tough and has a solid pedigree, however, Brook will prove to be too much for him to handle.
I like Brook to win.
Prediction: Brook
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Kell Brook schooled Shawn Porter last August, and should have no trouble doing the same to Jo Jo Dan.
It will be interesting to see if Brook is mentally prepared for the fight. Sometimes, a machete attack can have adverse effects on a fella. Brook by stoppage
Prediction: Brook
Alex McLeish, Staff Writer
As long as Kell Brook is 100 percent healthy, physically and mentally, there’s no reason to believe he should have much trouble with Jo Jo Dan. Brook is a stronger, more athletic and precise counter-puncher, who is better defensively, and is fighting in his hometown of Sheffield, England.
Dan is an aggressive southpaw who isn’t afraid to bang, but is very hittable. Although his only two losses were by close decision, he’s never been in with anybody even close to as talented as Brook.
I expect Brook to control the tempo of the fight with a sharp jab and a high-class defensive performance, which will set up the right-cross. Brook said he’s going for the stoppage, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get it late in the fight.
Prediction: Brook
Zuri Lopez
Kell Brook returns to make his first title defense after having snatched the IBF strap from Shawn Porter.
I honestly don’t think Jo Jo Dan stands a chance. The champ will clearly dominate the fight and will be ahead on the scorecards in the end.
Prediction: Brook
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
“Comeback” fights are always tough to call because you don’t know how a guy will show up. Will Kell Brook be the same–physically and mentally–as he was before he suffered a machete attack and 12-inch stab wound?
Tough to call.
Brook says he doesn’t really have feeling around his wound, which can’t be good, but that he feels 100 percent working in the ring. Jo Jo Dan–although he is the No. 1 contender–is the perfect opponent for Brook to make his first title defense against at home in Sheffield–he’s tough but really limited.
If Brook is healthy and up to his old tricks, I think he’ll stop Dan midway through a one-sided fight.
Prediction: Brook
