Anthony Joshua also on bumper bill at The O2
Friday 10 April 2015 15:26, UK
Kell Brook will defend his IBF welterweight belt against Frankie Gavin on a huge night of boxing that includes two other world title fights at The 02 in London on May 30, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office.
After impressively defeating Jo Jo Dan in March, Brook makes a quick return against fellow Brit Gavin, while exciting Londoner Kevin Mitchell challenges WBC lightweight champion Jorge Linares and talented Welshman Lee Selby takes on Evgeny Gradovich for his IBF featherweight title.
As part of the packed bill, rising heavyweight star Anthony Joshua faces the toughest test of his career against former world title challenger Kevin Johnson.
The O2 is one of the best arenas in the world and it’s an honour to headline a card like this.
Adam Smith, executive producer of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “This is another mouth-watering night of boxing on Sky Sports Box Office.
"Kell Brook is a great headline act and I always look forward to seeing him in the ring. He has some big fights on the horizon I’m sure, but Frankie Gavin will be a real test and Kell will have to put in a performance to get the style of win that he wants.”
Brook produced a classy stoppage win over Dan in Sheffield last month, but Gavin, a skilful southpaw, is determined to rip away his world title.
The Birmingham man became England’s first ever world amateur champion after taking gold in the 2007 World Championships in Chicago.
“I never expected to be out again so quickly but I can't wait," said Brook. "I respect Frankie for stepping up, he has called for this fight for a long time, and after he was given a final eliminator against Tim Bradley it made sense for him to take the challenge.
"I feel like I'm unbeatable right now and Gavin isn’t going to be able to cope with my speed and power on fight night. The O2 is one of the best arenas in the world and it’s an honour to headline a card like this.”
Gavin said: “These are the fights you want to be part of and it's where I belong. I’ve dreamt of a world title and I will be 100 per cent ready physically and mentally for Kell Brook. Of course it’s going to be tough, but I believe Kell is beatable and I've always felt that I have got the skills and the team to cause an upset.”
The fights confirmed for 30 May at the O2 Arena include:
Kell Brook v Frankie Gavin
IBF welterweight title
Kevin Mitchell v Jorge Linares
WBC lightweight title
Lee Selby v Evgeny Gradovich
IBF featherweight title
Anthony Joshua MBE v Kevin Johnson
WBC International heavyweight title
John Ryder v Nick Blackwell
Vacant British middleweight title
Scotty Cardle v Craig Evans
Vacant British lightweight title
Dave Ryan v John Wayne Hibbert
Commonwealth light-welterweight title
Sky Sports viewers will be treated to plenty of build-up with access to both the boxers through various programming and the weekly boxing show, Ringside, our podcast Toe 2 Toe and all the latest news via skysports.com/boxing and our mobile apps.
The event follows exclusive live coverage of Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao on May 2, which is available to order this week at Skysports.com/maypac and from April 25 via your Sky Box.
