Moments ago at the O2 Arena in London, England, IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook made another successful defense of his title after stopping challenger Frankie Gavin in the 6th round. Gavin came out looking to make it a chess match as he tried to stick and move behind his jab. Unfortunately for him, he simply didn't have enough power to make to make the champion respect him. It didn't take long for Brook to close the distance as he patiently stalked Gavin and landed crisp, hard punches.
By the middle rounds, it was clear that the size and strength of Brook were beginning to take over as he began landing clean shots that were doing damage. After both fighters exchanged punches midway through the 6th round, a big right hand from Brook had Gavin in trouble. As he retreated to the ropes, Brook unloaded with a barrage of punches that he had Gavin just covering up. After landing some hard shots that had Gavin crumpling against the ropes, the referee jumped in and called a halt to the action.
ANTHONY JOSHUA OBLITERATES KEVIN JOHNSON IN 2 ROUNDS
Undefeated heavyweight contender Anthony Joshua looked impressive in his 2nd round knockout of Kevin Johnson, who had never been stopped before despite previously losing to the likes of Vitali Klitschko, Tyson Fury, and Dereck Chisora. Joshua initially dropped Johnson towards the end of the first round with a combination that ended with well placed right hand. Although Johnson was up quick and took the count, it didn't take long for him to taste the canvas again as Joshua followed up with a barrage that dropped Johnson right at the bell and left him staggering to his corner. It was obvious that the end was near. Joshua unleashed a flurry of punches at the start of the second round. With Johnson simply covering up against the ropes, another series of crushing punches sent him crumpling and forced the referee to step in and wave the fight off.
JORGE LINARES RISES OFF DECK TO KO KEVIN MITCHELL IN 10TH
It was an action-packed fight that saw challenger Kevin Mitchell drop champion Jorge Linares with a beautiful right hook and left hand in the 5th round. Somehow, Linares was able to weather the onslaught and survive the round. Unfortunately for Mitchell, the damage that his face was sustaining throughout the fight was beginning to takes its toll. Linares battled back and unloaded a barrage of punches that sunk Mitchell to his knees in the 10th round. With an unbelievably big lump on Mitchell's left eye and blood gushing from his nose, the referee waved the fight off. At the time of the stoppage, Mitchell was up on two of the judges scorecards and even on the third card.
LEE SELBY CAPTURES IBF FEATHERWEIGHT TILE WITH TECHNICAL DECISION WIN OVER EVGENY GRADOVICH
Lee Selby picked up the IBF featherweight title after scoring an 8th round technical decision victory over former champion Evgeny Gradovich. The fight was halted due to a bad cut over the left eye of Gradovich. Official judges scorecards were 79-73, 79-73, and 80-72, reflecting Selby's brilliant boxing abilitiy and dominance over the former champion throughout the fight.
[ Follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @fighthype ]