Before 30,000 plus fans at Brahmall Lane in Sheffield, England; Mr. Kell Brook (36-2, 25 KO) proved to be just the step-up in class which many thunk he'd be. Yet Mr. Errol Spence, Jr. (22-0, 19 KO) proved to be the phenom many thunk he'd be -- although I openly doubted as such and am eating my hat as I type. It's quite dry really, but filling. Like my humor.
The end came at 1:47 of the 11th round after Brook, whom ne'er before lost at 147, barely survived a knock-down in the prior stanza's opening, then finished the round well via gutsy and mainly still potent uppercuts. A couple stanza's prior, Brook's eyes begin to swell; both the titanium and meat enforced 'uns. Up till the 7th it was a great outing by the Brit, who seemed to be handling well, Spence's impersonation of Mr. Shawn Porter. Brook fought in effective spurts, till them spurts came fewer and far-er twixt and then the tide doth did turn and the momentum in turn swung. Throoughout, it was a joy to see two rapid-firing lites with rather high sweet science Intelligence Quotients.
The wily and mighty southpaw Spence went from needing a knock-out to secure his bid to be new IBF Welterweight crown-bearer -- to needing not be KO'd to return home with gold-mounted-to-leather. To take nada from Jr., I do feel he should give Mr. Gennady Golovkin at the very least a warm phone-call, post haste. Brook having moved up two weight classes to take the September GGG fight no-one wanted, and suffering a busted peeper, seems to have all but ended this talented and brave pugilist.
Via The Gaurdian, Spence spoketh in-ring: “He’s a tricky fighter. He’s awkward. He’s very strong and he can punch. I proved today I have a chin and I have true grit." Proved, he did. Further proof? Golovkin eats souls gentlepersons. Drats and congrats to the newly minted champ -- long may he reign. Please pass the kosher salt.
