Ringside Report: Brook Stops DeLuca in 7
After 14 months away Kell Book returned with a win against an incredibly brave Mark DeLuca tonight in Sheffield.
The understandable ring-rust was evident early, but Brook exploded back into somewhere near his old form in the 3rd.
The American was dropped heavily and the fight was nearly over there and then. But DeLuca earned every penny of his purse, many would have looked for a way out, he did anything but. DeLuca kept swinging and had the occasional success before the inevitable end came.
It had become one-sided and a beautifully timed left finished the fight in the 7th, although arguably the American’s corner should have pulled their man out long before then.
Brook picked up the WBO intercontinental super-welterweight title, a pointless addition to the evening’s proceedings.
The fight was a perfect prelude for what lies ahead for Brook. A one round blow out would have proved nothing and Brook certainly benefited far more from how the fight played out.
Brook got some much needed rounds in the bank, a perfect night’s work for the former IBF welterweight champion.
Liam Smith was ringside and the odds are he will be next, the perfect loser leaves town match-up.
Brook looked dreadful 14 months ago against Michael Zerafa, tonight he looked on the way back. Smith will tell us far more, and while there are still questions to be answered in tougher company, at least tonight Brook has hope.
FightPost: Boxing & MMA News 