Dan says he will have a winning strategy as Brook puts belt on line

The 33-year-old mandatory challenger from Romania has won 34 of his 36 fights, and previously ended the proud unbeaten records of former opponents.

Brook not only puts the IBF welterweight title he won against Shawn Porter in California last August on the line in what will be an emotional homecoming, he also defends his own 33-fight undefeated record.

But Dan said: “Kell has not fought anyone like me.

“I believe in myself and I don’t think he can bring anything I can’t deal with on fight night.

“I saw his last fight where he won the world title and it was a great performance, but I just let my team study him in depth and come up with a winning strategy.

“I have waited a long time to get a world title shot so I am determined to take advantage of this opportunity.

“My prediction for the fight is simple – Jo Jo Dan becomes the new IBF welterweight world champion.”

On a packed undercard for Brook’s first title defence in Sheffield, is Gavin McDonnell’s bid for the vacant European super bantamweight title.

The 28-year-old from Doncaster meets Alexander Egoro for the belt.

The unbeaten twin of world bantamweight king Jamie, Gavin was held to a draw by Barnsley’s Josh Wale last year before flooring former world title challenger Vusi Malinga on his way to a points win over the South African in Hull.

“Coming off the draw with Josh Wale, to go into a big fight like that against Malinga is what I needed to show where I belong,” said McDonnell.

“Pulling off a big win like that has done me the world of good and I am proud that I stepped up to the plate when I needed to.

“We knew what Vusi was. He isn’t the fastest on his feet when you are up against him. We thought if we kept it long he would have problems with movement and that was the game plan; keep it long, use my height and my reach and win plenty of rounds that way.

“The fight was about getting the confidence for myself and showing other people that I do belong at that level.

“I believe I can be a world champion.

“I have seen first-hand with Jamie that it can be achieved if you put the work in. The confidence is there and I am willing to put the work in, so it is about getting the right fights at the right times.

“I know I am not a world-class operator but I am willing to mix it and learn and I am hoping that one day I can get a chance at a world title and win one.”

n Tickets for ‘Unbreakable’ presented by FX World are on sale priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 available from the Motorpoint Arena on 0114 2565656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk. VIP tickets at £250 are exclusively available from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com