BROOK: HEROIC FROCH WILL INSPIRE ME

Sheffield star wants to follow Britain’s number one to glory

Kell Brook has vowed to emulate stablemate Carl Froch after watching the Nottingham man become a three-time World champion on Saturday night.

Froch took just five rounds to destroy previously unbeaten IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute in front of a sold out Capital FM Arena and the show smashed Sky Sports viewing figures set by Brook when he fought Matthew Hatton in March.

Sheffield sensation Brook faces his toughest test yet when he meets IBF number three Carson Jones in a bout likely to be given official eliminator status by the governing body, and Brook says he has been inspired by The Cobra.

“Carl’s performance on Saturday was just out of this world,” said Brook. “Afterwards he said it was an all-or-nothing night so to go in there with that pressure and produce a performance like that is incredible.”

Brook was ringside with stablemates Darren Barker and Kal Yafai and joined the 9,500 fans in an outburst of joy as Froch followed flurries of punches in the third and fourth rounds to stop the Canadian after 65 seconds of the fifth.

“When the referee stepped in to give the count, everyone thought the fight was all over and the noise was unbelievable,” said Brook. “Carl is the best in Britain without any doubt and a great example to any young fighter. He is an absolute animal in training and totally professional in everything he does. He’s someone I really look up to and lean on ahead of my fights now we’re in the same team.

“I know the size of the task ahead of me on July 7 – he’s obviously totally confident of coming over here and beating me. But just look at what Carl did to Lucian. He said he was insulted that he thought he could come here and beat him and Carl put him in his place – I need to do exactly the same thing because the reward at the end will be a World title shot.”

Before the main event there is a stacked undercard led by two European title rematches as Gavin Rees defends his lightweight title against Derry Mathews and Kerry Hope defends the European middleweight title against Greg Proksa. One of Matchroom Sport’s newest signings Kal Yafai also makes his debut on the undercard.

Tickets for Kell Brook vs. Carson Jones featuring European title rematches between Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews and Kerry Hope and Greg Proksa and Kal Yafai’s debut are on sale now priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com.

VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport priced £150 on 01277 359900 or at  www.matchroomboxing.com. The package includes inner ringside seating (front seven rows), pre-fight party from 5.30pm-8pm with complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and canapés. (The bar will stay open as a pay bar after 8pm.)

BROOK AND JONES DRAW BATTLE LINES IN SHEFFIELD

July 7 show set to sizzle after duo clash at press conference

Kell Brook’s IBF welterweight clash with Carson Jones on July 7 at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield promises fireworks after the pair clashed at today’s press conference at the venue.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the pair as IBF number three ranked Jones travels from his Oklahoma home to Sheffield to face hometown star Brook who is ranked two places below him at five.

With the vacant title to be decided by a June meeting between number one ranked Mike Jones and number two Randall Bailey, the winner of Brook and Jones’ clash is likely to be given mandatory challenger status when the belt is decided, and Brook admitted he was riled by the American who bragged that he would stop the unbeaten Ingle Gym product in front of his home fans.

“He’s very brash and has a lot to say, and he’s got under my skin if I’m honest,” said Brook. “Talk is cheap though and I’m not interested in what he claims he’s going to do to me in front of my fans. I can assure you though that he is not coming to my town to beat me up and he better get some sightseeing in as he will need some good memories to take back to the States as I’m going to be a nightmare for him on July 7.

“It’s not going to go 12 rounds. I was too nice against Matthew Hatton and this time you are going to see the nasty side of Kell Brook. He’s the final step towards a World title and he’s not going to get in my way.”

Jones – a year younger than Brook at 25 – has won his last eight fights inside the distance and vowed to silence Brook’s hometown fans and stretch that record to nine.

“Inviting me to come over here to fight Brook is a big mistake,” said Jones. “He may have 9,000 fans on the night against five for me, but when we get in the ring it’s just me and him – he might think he’s a beast but I am a monster.”

Before the main event there is a stacked undercard led by two European title rematches. Gavin Rees defends his lightweight title against Derry Mathews 10 months after their original clash in Newport ended in a technical draw after Mathews broke his nose in a head clash. Since then, both men have recorded impressive wins on the road, with Rees defending the belt with an impressive seventh round stoppage of Anthony Mezaache in Paris, before Mathews ripped the British title away from Anthony Crolla in Oldham, stopping ‘Million Dollar’ in the sixth.

“Everyone was disappointed by the first fight as it was brewing up nicely – he started well and I was getting into it before the head clash,” said Rees. “But now the fight is probably much bigger after we’ve both had good wins in our last fights. Derry boxed brilliantly against Anthony, I really didn’t think he was going to win but it was comprehensive and he hurt him on so many occasions, which suggests he can bang at this weight. For me, this is probably my last domestic and European hurdle before getting back to World title level and for Derry he wants to prove he can step up – so the stakes are high for us both.”

“I know what I’ve got to do to beat Gavin,” said Mathews. “I was the underdog the first time we fought and I’ll be the underdog again – but I was the underdog against Crolla and I outclassed him so I don’t pay attention to the odds. Gavin is a different level to Anthony Crolla, he’s proved that he is World class and I’m sure that he wants to get there again, but so do I. He was outstanding in Paris when he beat Mezaache so we’re both on a high, and I think that it’ll be a cracking fight for the fans on a great card.”

Kerry Hope defends the European middleweight title against Greg Proksa in a rematch at the venue where Hope stunned the Surrey-based Pole to take the title on points in a bloody encounter in March. The Welshman is determined to hold onto the belt while Proksa will be gunning to retain it, with show promoter Eddie Hearn dangling a possible autumn date with former champ and World title challenger Darren Barker in front of the winner.

“I was really confident of upsetting Proksa last time and I’m even more confident that I can keep hold of the belt,” said Hope. “Some people have said that he might have taken me lightly and that he’ll be training extra hard to win the title back, but I will be training like I’m the underdog in order to keep hold of it, and with someone like Barker there to fight down the line, I’m sure it will be an even better fight than the first one.”

Matchroom Sport’s latest signing Kal Yafai will make his debut on the undercard, and the 22 year old amateur star is said he is delighted to be kicking off life in the pro ranks on such a star-studded bill.

“It’s a massive honour to be handed your debut fight on a card with so much quality,” said Yafai. “But I knew when I signed with Eddie that these were they types of shows that I would be involved in and that was why I put pen to paper – and I intend to show people that I am worth the hype.”

Tickets for Kell Brook vs. Carson Jones featuring European title rematches between Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews (lightweight) and Kerry Hope and Greg Proksa (middleweight) and Kal Yafai’s debut are on sale now priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com.

VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport priced £150 on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com. The package includes inner ringside seating (front seven rows), pre-fight party from 5.30pm-8pm with complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and canapés. (The bar will stay open as a pay bar after 8pm.)

FANTASTIC REES DEFENDS BELT WITH STOPPAGE

Welshman dominates Frenchman in his hometown

Gavin Rees produced a fantastic performance in Anthony Mezaache’s backyard in France, forcing a seventh round stoppage to retain his European lightweight title in style.

The Welshman travelled over to Paris for his second defence in the venue that former champion Mezaache’s last three fights had been in and was the aggressor from the opening bell.

The 31 year old produced a classy, powerful and controlled display to dismiss the Frenchman’s challenge and move a step closer to his dream of becoming a two-weight World champion.

“I keep telling people I can punch at lightweight and giving the chance I think I can win another World title,” said Rees.

“I had a great training camp, it was boiling in here tonight but I still felt fresh. I worked well on the jab and I was catching him with the right often and I think I did a great job tonight.”

Rees connected early with his right hand and mixed his work up well, controlling things with his jab. A clash of heads in the second round caused a nasty gash to the Frenchman’s forehead and threatened to bring the fight to a premature end, but thankfully Mezaache’s corner stemmed the flow of blood and the fight continued, and Rees moved through the gears seamlessly.

The champion really put his foot down in the sixth round, rocking the hometown favourite at will and relentlessly pouring the pressure on with unerring accuracy.

Some great work to the body led to another big right hand in the opening half of the seventh round that floored the Frenchman and with so much time left in the round, Rees saw his chance to end things and pounced brilliantly. Again, the jackhammer right landed to rock Mezaache and he pinned him on the ropes with some stinging blows, and a combination of Mezaache’s corner and the referee ended the contest with 45 seconds of the seventh round left.

HEARN: FRENCH TEST IS A KEY NIGHT FOR REES

Welshman’s promoter says Gavin needs to impress in Paris

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes that Gavin Rees must shine in Paris tonight live on Sky Sports 4 and HD4 from 9pm in his European lightweight title defence against Anthony Mezaache – with a big performance putting him back in World title contention.

Former WBA light welterweight king Rees faces the Frenchman in the Gymnase Georges-Racine in Clichy la Garenne, just outside the capital and a venue that the former champion Mezaache has won his last three fights in.
Hearn says that this is exactly the type of assignment that Rees needs to tackle and pass with flying colours if he’s going to go on to fulfil his dream of becoming a two-weight World Champion, and added that big matches with British rivals Ricky Burns, John Murray, Kevin Mitchell and Anthony Crolla could also be on the cards for The Rock.

“This is an important fight for Gavin as there's a lot happening in the division domestically,” said Hearn. “An away trip is always interesting and I think it adds a bit of excitement.

“Gavin's at the stage now where he needs to be taking the big fights, we looked at the offer to travel to Paris and it was a lucrative one and a challenge Gavin was happy to take. It's always difficult fighting away from home but we've had fights in the venue before and it's not a hostile environment and Gavin's got a good few fans travelling over too and they'll make themselves heard.”

Rees’ trainer Gary Lockett has been delighted with the 31 year olds preparation for the fight, and is pleased that the former WBA light welterweight champion has thrown himself into the new training regime that he brought in along with nutritionist Renzo Algieri.

“Training has gone really well, we've done a lot more sparring than what we usually do, over 140 rounds in total, so he's ready,” said Lockett.
“Gavin is coming up to 32 so he's picking up little niggles a little easier than he used to. But apart from that he's in fantastic shape.
“Anthony has a good record but we see weaknesses in his make-up. I don't think he's a particularly hard puncher, he's tough and he's a bit of a spoiler, but we've covered all bases in training.

“The changes and improvements in Gavin's diet and shape is 99 per cent down to him. I bought Renzo as his nutritionist and I know a lot about that but if Gavin wasn't totally committed to it, then we wouldn't see this huge improvement.”

For Rees, the target is simple – defend his European title then hunt down a World title shot later this year, taking out some big Brits on the way.
“I don't mind who I have to fight to win a World title,” said Rees. “But I'd love a fight with Kevin Mitchell too. It's a fight that I think I'd win but it'd be a cracker and one that fight fans and Sky Sports would love to see.”

Rees weighed in at 9st 8lb yesterday, with challenger Mezaache scaling 9st 8lb 8oz.

FRENCH ASSIGNMENT HOLDS NO FEAR FOR REES

Welshman out to prove he will fight anyone, anywhere

Gavin Rees is relishing defending his European lightweight title against Anthony Mezaache in Paris on Friday night live on Sky Sports 4 and HD4 from 9pm – and says victory will prove he is willing to fight anyone, anywhere.

The Welshman defends the belt for the second time against Mezaache, the Parisian fighter who won the belt on foreign soil himself in February 2009 when he beat Jon Thaxton in Norwich.

Rees enters Mezaache’s backyard aiming to kick his 2012 off with an impressive defence that could land him an exciting British fight against lightweight rivals Ricky Burns, Kevin Mitchell, John Murray and Anthony Crolla – and the 31 year-old says he’ll prove he can fight anywhere.

“Every boxer wants to fight at home but I don't mind going to France,” said Rees. “I don't think it'll be a hostile crowd but even if it is, it's only a crowd, they can't get in the ring and help him when he's in there with me at my best. I only have to worry about my performance, not his – if I do what I do best, I'll get the job done.

“I've seen a few clips of him from his fight against Thaxton. He beat him quite comfortably but I think that wasn't the best of Jon, he was on his way out. So I think that this is a job I am confident of doing.”

Rees’ first defence ended in a technical draw against Derry Mathews in October when a clash of heads left the Liverpool man with a broken nose. The champ has been itching to get back into the ring to show the benefits of his new attitude to training, which he attributes to trainer Gary Lockett and nutritionist Renzo Algieri.

“I've been a professional nearly 14 years and only lost one fight so I've done well, but I think I'm improving all the time,” said Rees. “I'm 32 in May and I'm feeling so good I could go on forever.

“I've got older and got wiser. When you are younger you think your career is going to go on forever. This is my last chance at World title glory really so everything has to be done 100 per cent right. I was eating the wrong foods, drinking water at the wrong times, and in the championship distance, like against Andy Murray, I died after four rounds. So we'd been tinkering with that before the Derry Mathews fight and we got it right.

That didn't go beyond four rounds so no-one got to see the difference, but it was a lot better then and it will be even better now.

“There are some big domestic fights out there for me with Burns, Mitchell, Crolla and (John) Murray and I want all of them. I've been training hard for Mezaache and once I've got past him I want to fight one of the big name Brits. I don't believe that I have been truly recognised for my achievements so hopefully beating one of those boys would get me there. I sparred with Ricky and we had some great sessions and I know it would be a crowd-pleaser.

“I'd like to have a go at Ricky or maybe I could win another one of the World titles and we could have a massive unification fight. We've got a great group of lightweights in Britain at the moment, maybe one of the strongest ever, so hopefully we can all fight each other soon.”

REES MEDIA WORKOUT:

Gavin gunning for Scotsman after European defence

Rees: I want my Burns night


Gavin Rees has four massive UK clashes in his sights after he defends his European lightweight title against Anthony Mezaache on March 17 in Paris, live on Sky Sports.

Rees won the vacant belt in June against Andy Murray in Cardiff and his first defence against Derry Mathews in October ended prematurely when Mathews sustained a broken nose from a clash of heads.

The Welshman is determined to impress when he faces former European champ Mezaache in his backyard of Paris, and Rees believes that a sparkling performance could land him a match with WBO champ Ricky Burns in a bid to become a two-weight World champion.

“I would love to fight Ricky Burns this year,” said Rees. “There are other big UK fights out there too with John Murray, Anthony Crolla and Kevin Mitchell and I think they are cracking contests that would really catch fire with the public and draw a big crowd in Wales.

“It’s a great division to be involved in and as the European champion and a former World champion, I feel I am ahead of those guys.

“But for those fights to come off I need to beat Mezaache and beat him well. I’m not looking beyond him because that would be dangerous, but I do believe I’m out of his league and I will show that in Paris.”

Rees has found a new lease of life under the guidance of trainer Gary Lockett and the 31 year-old is looking to convert that into another World title three years after claiming the WBA light welterweight crown. Rees’ promoter Eddie Hearn believes Rees can reach that peak once more and could take on his UK rivals in some big nights in the process now he has got past his injury niggles.

“Gavin looks fantastic in the gym and I think he is ready to unleash a lot of frustration out in Paris,” said Rees’ promoter Eddie Hearn. “Fights with the likes of Burns, Murray, Mitchell and Crolla are all big occasions and the sort of contests that Gavin wants to be involved in. He needs to win well in France but if he does that, the rest of 2012 looks very exciting for him.”

Rees to defend Euro belt in Paris against Mezaache

Welshman heading to France for second defence on March 23

Gavin Rees will defend his European lightweight title against Anthony Mezaache in Paris on Friday March 23, live on Sky Sports.

The Welshman won the vacant belt in June against Andy Murray in Cardiff and the 31 year-old heads to the northwest of the French capital at the Gymnase Georges Racine in Clichy la Garenne, Hauts-de-Seine to retain the belt in his first pro fight outside the UK. Rees’ first defence ended in a draw after Derry Mathews sustained a broken nose after a clash of heads in the fourth round of their fight in Newport in October.

The Newbridge fighter is looking to get back into World title contention after holding the WBA light welterweight title in 2007-08 but will face a stern task in Mezaache’s hometown.The Frenchman is seeking to hold the European belt for the second time having recovered brilliantly from a first round knock down to take it from Jon Thaxton in February 2009 in Norwich and defending it once before relinquishing.

The 33 year-old claimed the vacant WBA Inter-Continental and IBF International belts in April in the same venue and followed that with another win there in December, his 21st pro victory from 30 contests.“Gavin has been in the gym on and off since the Mathews fight,” said Rees’ trainer Gary Lockett. “The Gavin Rees of old is long gone, he's grown up a lot and he knows that being out of the gym when you haven't got a fight is not my way. So he's been training hard and he looks in fantastic shape - I wish the fight was this week really as he looks superb. But we will be very ready for March 23 and it’s going to be a great occasion to fight in France.

“Gavin is a different animal today. In the last six months I've been able to get across to him what I want him to do and that's the main challenge when you are a new fighter-trainer team, and Gavin is reaping the benefits now that the communication is perfect. Gavin has slowed himself down and he's working at the pace I want him to. We've been doing a lot of sparring with a lad called Chris Goodwin from Chester and he's been coming down and doing eight and ten rounds of terrific sparring at a time, and all of this was when Gavin was still not sure 100 per cent sure of when he's going to fight – so his conditioning is fantastic and we'll just be fine tuning things in the next month.“Anthony is a tough and stubborn guy.

I saw Thaxton flatten him in Norwich in the opening round of their clash and he was really wobbled but he got himself back up, dug in and won convincingly on foreign soil which takes guts, so we're expecting a really difficult fight and we're preparing for just that.”

Ticket information on the fight will be available soon.