KELL Brook became Shef-field's latest boxing champion in dazzling style on Saturday night, stopping Rhondda's Barrie Jones in the seventh round at London's York Hall to capture the vacant British welterweight title.
The 22-year-old from Hillsborough dominated the contest, showing an impressive array of punches from all angles.
Jones, who had only lost once in 16 fights, was outclassed and the only question to be answered was how long he could last.
Brook, who now has 10 knockouts from his 17 contests, shook Jones in the third round with a right uppercut. But the Welshman was tough and when Brook lost concentration in the fourth round, Jones was there to remind him he was still in a fight.
Brook's speed and variety impressed in the fifth and although Jones cracked him with a left hook in the sixth the Sheffielder simply smiled.
Jones' right eye was beginning to close and the towel came in from the Welshman's corner at the start of the seventh round.
"If anyone wants this belt now, they're going to have to come and fight me for it," beamed the new champion.
Brook dedicated his title to his mum - who can't stand watching her son fight.
"She can't come to the fights because she gets in a right state. But I'll be home soon, Mum!
"With Junior (Witter) and Clinton (Woods) losing their titles there's now me and Ryan (Rhodes) stomping for Sheffield," said Brook.
Promoter Frank Warren said he has negotiated a new two-year deal to guide the young champion.
British light-middleweight champion Rhodes was ringside to support Brook.
The pair both originally trained with Brendan Ingle but are now mentored by Dave Coldwell.
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