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Kell Brook won't be complacent with Jo Jo Dan in first IBF welterweight title defence

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Kell Brook says he will not underestimate Jo Jo Dan as he defends his IBF welterweight title in Sheffield on Saturday.

Kell Brook has warned against complacency ahead of the first defence of his IBF welterweight title against Jo Jo Dan in Sheffield on Saturday night.

Brook is a hot favourite to see off the Canada-based Romanian in front of his hometown fans before setting his sights on much more lucrative 147lb assignments.

His extraordinary recovery following a life-threatening attack in Tenerife last September has left Brook's camp in no mood to make assumptions on the outcome of his first Sheffield contest since October 2013.

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The Yorkshireman had himself been considered a convenient underdog when he travelled to California last August and surprised the champion Shawn Porter to seize his belt on a split decision.

Brook told Sky Sports News HQ: "The first thing that I thought after the injury was that I'd never fight again. 

"To come back and being as fit, if not fitter than the last fight against Porter, is truly remarkable. I've kept the fans waiting too long and I can't wait to perform Saturday night.

"He's very hungry, emotional. He'll be very dangerous. He's coming in with his dream to win that world title so I know I'll have my hands full. 

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"That's why I've put myself through it in training, but I was born to do this. I'm ready if the fight ends early, if it goes all the way, I'm prepared for it, 100 per cent. It's nearly time now and honestly and truthfully, I can't wait."

Brook's trainer Dominic Ingle agreed with his fighter's honest assessment.

He said: "Shawn Porter underestimated Kell Brook and believed his own hype and then he was forced to admit he had overlooked him.

"There is no danger of Kell overlooking Jo Jo in the same way. Jo Jo has got into the mandatory position and he wants to win that title. Kell is looking for big fights ahead but Jo Jo sees no reason why he shouldn't get them, too."

Brook's long recovery since the horrific and unprovoked stabbing incident has left Ingle convinced he will step into the ring on Saturday in the shape of his life - even if his long slog to super-fitness did come at a price.

"It's been a long camp and it's sometimes been boring and a bit like groundhog day but he's done all the work and the result is that his fitness is through the roof," added Ingle.

"Because of the injury he has mentally over-compensated and he has really had to kick up a gear to get himself fit. It has been 30 weeks since he started rehab but he is fitter now than he was for the Porter fight. 

"He is fighting on his home ground on Saturday and that will improve his performance by another 10 or 20 per cent. But the fact Jo Jo has come over to take his title will raise his game as well."

Watch Brook v Dan live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm on Saturday. The bill also features Frankie Gavin, Adam Etches and Gavin McDonnell

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