The case of Ezekiel Brook

Alright fella's.

Just been looking back at Ricky Hatton's career and how he came to his first legit world title fight with Kostya Tszyu.

Aged 26 and 38-0 (Brook 27 & 31-0). Now when i look at Kell Brook's career he often gets berated and abuse for his steady and less then spectacular line of opponents. Hatton got not as much stick but he and Frank were questioned about the level of opposition as he came up.

Hatton was part of the WBU years and he defended his title 16 times over the course of 3 years.

His opponents varied from names from previous years that had seen better days to domestic level operators and some american club fighters.

Now i do feel Hatton faced some better names in the lead up to the memorable night up in Manchester but i also do see similarities in Brook's management to this point. Some ex world champions, Ex world title challengers and some american/latin mid level opponents.

Hatton probably faced more styles on the come up which could be detrimental to Brook if he gets the world title.

Brook's his own worst enemy (lifestyle and mentality) but boxing is about timing and Hatton's and Frank W's timing was impeccable IMO.

I hope Brook finally steps up next year and finally gets to fight for the IBF title. If he doesn't i'd be extremely disappointed and fed up but the point of this thread is sometimes we forget how our stars from the past got to the titles.

Timing is major in this game. Brook isn't as good as Hatton IMO but i do see a similarity in Brook's guidance. Hatton was a pro 8 years when he faced Tszyu and Brook is currently at 9 years IIRC.

My main point is Brook isn't the only guy to take a very long climb to a title shot and he won't be the last. Sportsman mature and develop differently and as much as some of it is his fault it could be great timing with Porter now champion.

Thoughts?. I expect some stick but wanted to engage in some decent quality debate over this Christmas.

 

I fancied Brook to beat Alexander but Porter blows hot and cold. As much as he offers a threat offensively to Brook, Brook also offers the same to Porter.

Porter's got some nice skills but he does get hit with a fair amount of right hands himself. The worry for Brook is Porter is able to work well at range as well as inside.

It won't be easy but it's a winnable fight IMO. With Alexander he has the ability to totally ruin a fight and make it into a stinker. Porter's purity as a fighter may help Brook but it may also cease upon Brook's frailties.

 

Good post. Tend to agree

 

Didn't say personality i said mentality (as a sportsman). He often seems to take setbacks in a really bad way and bloats up in weight from what i've heard and it seems like he even admits himself from interviews post Jones I.

Also he likes a drink when not training like Hatton and his prep for Carson Jones I wasn't good enough. Hence why he brought in people to help him on nutrition and S&C. His lifestyle isn't a private affair he's like most lads his age but sadly as a boxer the sacrifices go deeper then just hard sessions in the gym.

Khan wanted to be our youngest world champion and he was being pushed in a certain direction up and till Prescott and then Roach came in and his career direction changed rapidly.

Hatton's like Brook's career was a slow burner but once it got going it was unforgettable.