Kell Brook boasts a stellar resume with only three losses, but one man was close to doing the unthinkable at the height of Special K’s career.
Kell Brook retired with a record of 40-3. His only three losses came at the hands of Gennadiy Golovkin, who boasts one of the best amateur records in boxing, Errol Spence Jr., and Terence Crawford, who became a world champion after his mother paid kids to beat him up.
Brook retired in 2020, but came back just two years later to stop Amir Khan, in a domestic grudge match years in the making.
Brook holds a career-defining win over Shawn Porter, who recently made a bold claim on Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach, in which he won the IBF welterweight title, but it was just five fights before this where he faced one of the toughest tests of his career.
Carson Jones gave Kell Brook one of the toughest nights of his career
In 2012, Brook was set to face Carson Jones. Jones was 34-8-2 at the time, making him the underdog against the undefeated Sheffield native.
This was news to Jones, however, as the Oklahoma fighter cared not for the odds, and went in with the intent to spoil the party and hand Brook his first professional defeat.
The fight took place in Brook’s hometown in the Sheffield Arena, and saw Brook’s IBF International title on the line.
Jones entered the ring sporting a gown which read ‘Dear judges, please don’t rob me.’
Though most wouldn’t call it a robbery, Brook defeated Jones on a razor-thin majority decision after getting through some tough rounds against the American.
The night marked Brook’s first win that was not by either unanimous decision or knockout, and left question marks over where Brook’s ceiling was as the judges’ scorecards read 115-113, 116-112, 114-114.
The pair would fight once more a year later, and Brook would settle the score once and for all, stopping Jones in the eighth round of their rematch.
Carson Jones passes away at the age of 38
In tragic news, Jones has reportedly passed away at the age of just 38.
The 65-fight veteran of the sport reportedly passed due to complications after oesophagus surgery, with a former opponent of his, Caleb Truax, sharing the news on social media:
A host of fighters and people within the industry have paid tribute to the fighter, including referee Mark Lyson, who said:
“Very sad to hear the news about the passing of Carson Jones at just 38. RIP Champ”
Jack Catterall‘s manager Sam Jones said: “Such sad news about Carson Jones.”
Jones leaves behind a great legacy in the sport, with countless nights of entertainment for the fans, and some of the toughest nights of work for a host of fighters.