Kell Brook is ready for his shot.
He came into his welterweight eliminator bout in his hometown of Sheffield, England with Vyacheslav Senchenko knowing that he could earn a title shot against champion Devon Alexander if he took care of business.
Brook (31-0) did more than that. He dominated the fight and put Senchenko (34-2) out with a fourth-round knockout. He fulfilled expectations, as many believed the undefeated 27-year-old fighter would have his way with his 36-year-old opponent.
However, Brook didn't just win the fight; he was far superior. He was motivated before the fight because he had been on track to meet Alexander previously, but injuries—to both fighters—had wiped out that possibility.
Prior to stepping into the ring with Senchenko, Brook said he wanted to put on a show because he wanted fans to be excited about a potential bout with Alexander.
He told Dan Rafael of ESPN.com:
I want to do a demolition job on him, put on a great performance and really have fun in my hometown. He's been over to promote the fight, and that shows he's confident. He's coming here to win and to get a second shot at a world title. It’s always good to get a look at your opponent ahead of a fight, get a feel of what his chin might be like.
Senchenko's only loss had been a ninth-round TKO to Paulie Malignaggi in 2012, and that record impressed Brook. In addition to wanting to set a tone for his challenge of Alexander, he was not about to take a talented fighter like Senchenko lightly.
He beat up Senchenko with two solid rounds and then knocked his opponent down in the third. However, as he was punishing Senchenko, Brook got caught with a hard punch, which he had to shake off before he finished his man with a series of blows in Round 4.
In the end, it was just the kind of show that he wanted to put on. Assuming both men can stay healthy, Brook will have an opportunity to take the title from Alexander.
Of course, Alexander (25-1-0) will have to do his part as well. He was scheduled to fight Shawn Porter in late November, but that bout has reportedly been rescheduled for Dec. 7.
If Alexander beats Porter, Brook should get his opportunity early in 2014.
Brook has power, speed and excellent defense and has never tasted defeat. He should be ready when he gets his title shot, because he demonstrated against Senchenko that he can rise to the occasion.
An even bigger occasion waits just around the corner.
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