Brook beats 'El Tigre' Saldivia to set up mouth-watering world title clash

Future welterweight king?

  Atfter Kell Brook's last time out when he struggled to get over the line against Carson Jones, things could not have looked more different last night at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield. Since the July clash with Jones where Kell struggled to hang on to his unbeaten recored, the 'steel city star' has engaged the services of a strength, power and conditioning coach and also a nutritionist who have made a world of difference. Kell had trained for a long hard fight against Saldivia, as you might expect for a world title eliminator, but his superior power was evident from very early in the fight. A stinging uppercut in the first round sent the Argentine to the canvas, and Brook's intent was obvious from there on in. The barrage continued through the second round, and a straight left at the beginning of the third signalled the beginning of the end. After such a systematic defeat, in hindsight it seems difficult tio believe that Hector Saldivia was rated third in the IBF rankings, which perhaps enhances Brook's victory and stature moving on to a world title fight. It looks likely that Kell will face Devon Alexander who defeated Randall Bailey in New York later on the same night to win the IBF Belt. By all accounts it was a dire affair with more clinching than punching, that will no doubt inspire the Yorkshire pugilist to believe that he can wrestle the world title from the American early in 2013. 

Kell Brook and Amir Khan in the Sky Sports studio for 'Ringside' recently

 If Kell can become a world champion, there are some huge fights out there for him. He has made no secret of wanting ro tear Amir Khan to pieces. And there is also the golden carrot of a fight with the returning Ricky Hatton; if The Hitman does the business in November. How near can Special K get to the top of the world rankings? Only time will tell, but he has now put the foundations in place and we will all find out next year. Good luck Kell.

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Murray Mania... (and more!)

Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

So Great Britain has a player in the final of the Men's Singles at Wimbledon for the first time in seventy-four years, but the hard work starts now. Roger Federer looked awesome whilst beating World number one Novak Djokovic earlier in the day. He looked every ounce the champion and legend that he is, and to say that Andy Murray will have his hands full on Sunday would be understatement of the year! With Federer at 1/2f and Murray an outsider at around 6/4, the bookmakers aren't too confident that he'll win; but can he? Of course. Overall Murray has beaten Federer more times than he's been beaten by him (his record is 8-7) so it is possible although they have never played each other on grass. Roger has been the King of Wimbledon for some time winning six titles from seven appearances in the final over the years; and although he might not have been in the final for a while he has looked as good as ever this year and he has an added incentive. If he wins he will regain the world number one spot for a second time. One thing that will go in favour of Murray, is that it is highly unlikely that Roger Federer will have played in an arena that will be so in favour of the other player. I can't see the crowd being excessively vociferous as they have very much taken Roger to their hearts over the years, but they will be pro-Murray for sure. There will be lots to play for come Sunday afternoon. Aside of the glittering trophy and the adoration from the fans, there is the small matter of £1,150,000 to play for.

I ought to mention Brit Jonny Marray who's made the Men's doubles final with his partner Freddie Nielsen by beating the defending champions Mike and Bob Bryan. The last time there were British winners of the Men's doubles was in 1936, coincidentally the same year that Fred Perry won the Men's singles. The last thing I would want to do would be to tempt fate, but could it be fate? 

SPORT SHORTS

Tiger woods won the AT&T National title in Maryland last weekend to overtake Jack Nicklaus in the all-time PGA tour titles rankings. With his 74th title, Tiger is now only second to Sam Snead who won 82 titles. At the moment, Tiger is 6/1 favourite to win another Major at Royal Lytham St Annes in a fortnights time; Can you bet against him? Luke Donald at 16/1 or Phil Mickelson at 28/1 might take your fancy?

Kell Brook steps up to world level this weekend when he faces Carson Jones in an IBF World welterweight title eliminator in Sheffield. It looks like being a tasty affair as there has been a bit of needle in the build up. Both fighters are predicting a knockout so this one is a must see for any boxing fans. Hopefully Kell's class will shine through.

FIFA have decided this week that goal-line technology will now be used in football. (At last I hear you say!) The Premier League are saying that it could be brought in at some point this coming season, although the beginning of the following season looks more likely. At least there will be no repeat of Frank Lampard holding his head in his hands against Germany as it will definitely be used in the Brazil 2014 World Cup.     

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