Bragging right - Kell Brook vs Carson Jones

Carson Jones(right) has talked the talk but can he walk the walk

By Peter Wells: After many large boasts from American Carson Jones, it's nearly time for the brash Oklahoma resident to back up his words in his English rivals’ hometown. His opponent Kell Brook admits that his outspoken opponent has gotten under his skin but promises his fans in the packed out Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield a night they will remember. This is "Special K's" biggest test to date but the 26 year old knows now is the time to live up to his nickname.

Carson is a year younger but has 44 fights on his record including 8 defeats. He is unbeaten in his last 8 fights although his recent opposition has not been particularly challenging. On the other hand Kell Brook's opposition has been getting increasingly better, starting 4 fights ago when he dominated former world champion Lovemore Ndou. Rafal Jackiewicz was then dispatched in 6 rounds in the first stoppage defeat of his career. Then came his American debut which he won in 5 rounds before his highly anticipated domestic clash with Matthew Hatton. In a perfect performance the only thing missing was a knockout, but to Hatton's credit he took Brook's best shots very well. Despite his opposition it's hard to say that he has fought any opponent as determined as Carson Jones will be tomorrow night (7th July).

Jones has a huge amount of experience on his side, but this is his first outing outside of the States, and Kell will be driven on by an electric atmosphere.

Making a statement: Brook dominates Matthew Hatton

Kell would be wise not to let emotion take over him in this fight, as it is an inevitability that Jones will try as much as he can to get inside Kell's head right before the fight. Brook has great boxing ability and won’t want to get into a scrap with the tough American whom with 24 knockouts from 34 wins, will be looking to turn this into a scrap.

Brook may have to survive some scrappy moments but can do enough work with his jab and straight right - that could be a key shot in this fight - to win round after round. The stoppage may be there for Kell to take late in the fight as the American runs out of ideas, but I still expect Brook to be clever enough to not take any unnecessary risks late in the fight and cruise to an impressive one-sided points victory.

A world title challenge is just beyond the door that is Carson Jones, so the pressure is on, but to be a champion Kell must show he can thrive under that pressure.