Hearn backs Brook to learn

Kell Brook is critical of his preparations despite beating Carson Jones on points

Kell Brook's fright against Carson Jones could be the spur he needs to step up to world level, according to Eddie Hearn.

The unbeaten welterweight needed a majority decision to get past durable journeyman Jones in his home town of Sheffield after visibly tiring as the 12 rounds wore on.

Both Brook and his promoter afterwards hinted at a less than perfect training camp and problems making the weight.

And Hearn said: "I'm happy it was tough, in a way, because in my mind I still know we've got to change a lot of things - but now he knows it.

"He likes his food - don't we all. But you know how tough it is making weight when you're big at the weight.

"I don't want people to think that he's just a slob. He trains very hard, he lives the life. But you live the life of perhaps a British champion. I want him to live the life of a pound-for-pound champion. I want him to do everything immaculately."

Hearn's priority now is an IBF eliminator against Hector Saldivia of Argentina rather than an immediate title challenge.

He said: "If he improves his preparation, fights Saldivia and looks incredible, then we're going to just dive in for a world title. We'll go mad for it."

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