[Video] Kell Brook vs. Jo Jo Dan: Weigh-In Results x Prediction

SHEFFIELD, YORKSHIRE — IBF welterweight titlist Kell Brook makes his big return tonight since suffering that gruesome machete attack on his left leg late last year. The assault kept him out of the ring since last June, and the title-holder is facing a formidable challenge in Romania’s Jo Jo Dan, who’s coming off an action-packed split decision win over Kevin Bizier in December.

PREDICTION: Like Brook’s last opponent, America’s Shawn Porter, Brook likes to work inside. But unlike Porter, Dan does not rely on mauling — he utilizes good spacing that allows him to throw strong power shots in close and keep his opponent from resting. With Brook having spent nine months out of the ring, Dan’s workrate can pose a huge problem should the bout go into the later rounds.

The problem for Dan is that Brook is a strong welter and the bigger puncher. Porter got the worst of it when he tried his bullying tactics. Brook was stronger in the clinches and forced Porter backwards, where Brook’s right hands made him think twice about trying to box at mid-range. With Dan, Brook’s better precision and power will give him a significant advantage any time there’s punching room between them. BROOK TKO7