Fight fans tuning in for Kell Brook’s showdown with American boxer, Carson Jones, were treated to an epic encounter, from which both combatants emerged with huge credit.

It was a real ding-dong battle, as Sheffield fighter, Brook attempted to end the fight by TKO on more than one occasion, but, though the punches continued to rain in on Jones, his opponent showed tremendous courage to remain in the contest.

Brook took the early rounds, thanks to an all-action attacking display, but Jones rallied and was the dominant fighter for most of the latter six rounds.

But Brook did enough to take the spoils, getting the nod from two of the three points judges, with the other scoring the fight a draw.

And he will now look forward to defying the boxing betting against the Welterweight division’s biggest stars.

“I think I've proved I've got the heart. I stood my ground and did what I needed to get the fight,” said Brook, who was quick to pay tribute to his gutsy opponent.

“Carson Jones has won my respect tonight. It was a fight I needed to dig in to win. If you don't get through the fight, you don't win.”

Brook is now undefeated in 28 professional bouts, but, more importantly, Saturday evening’s fight provided him with the test he so sorely needed, if he is to make the step up to the ‘elite league’ of light-heavyweight brawlers.

Aged 26, the Yorkshireman is hitting maturity at a rapid pace, and it would be a crying shame if he isn’t given the opportunity to put his obvious talent to the ultimate test.

While showdowns with Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao may still be a distant dream, the likes of Amir Khan and Victor Ortiz could both be mouth-watering prospects for the future.

The next major sporting event on the calendar is, of course, the Olympics. Boxing fans may also be interested in the athletics betting on Betfair.