LINARES vs MITCHELL PREVIEW
This Saturday night will see Kevin Mitchell's 39-2 (29 KO's) third date with destiny when he attempts to take to WBC Lightweight Title away from Jorge Linares 38-3 (25 KO's). The two fight in what will arguably be the fight of the night on Britain's biggest boxing event of the year, Rule Britannia.
Dagenham banger Mitchell, has come through two unsuccessful challenges for the World title and managed to get himself in to a position where he can have one more shot at fulfilling his dreams. He faces a tough challenge in Venezuela's 3 weight World champion, Jorge Linares who is making his first defence of the title.
Kevin Mitchell turned professional in 2003 at the age of 18 and his fighting style immediatley built a loyal following. The way he went about his business with his classy style and love for a tear-up made him a must watch fighter. He established himself as Great Britain's No.1 Lightweight by 2009 and took what many thought to be a dangerous fight in Breidis Prescott. Prescott came to the ring with a record of 21-1 (19 KO's) and just three fights before had blown away Amir Khan in less than a minute. Mitchell knew a win would put him in a good position to challenge for the World title. Many people believed that Mitchell's habit of trading punches combined with Prescott's proven power would provide a bad outcome for the Londoner who brought to the ring a 29-0 record. Mitchell showed maturity to completely dominate Prescott and win a wide decision. He followed that up with a brutal KO of Ignacio Mendoza (27-5-2) before the moment he always dreamt of came before him. He was fighting Michael Katsidis at Upton Park, the home of his beloved West Ham United Football Club. When the two began fighting it was apparent that Mitchell was not at his best, he was bullied around the ring by the Australian warrior before being stopped in the 3rd round. Mitchell blamed the defeat on poor preparation, saying he was having problems at home which led to him constantly moving between his home and his mother's. Mitchell had to regroup and get himself back to the top level.
He was out of the ring for a year where he says he blew £100K in 8 months on alcohol. He returned to fight John Murray (31-0) and caused an upset when he dominated Murray before brutally finishing him in the 8th round. His career appeared to be back on track but he was again out of the ring for 7 months. It was clear his alcohol problems had not gone away and he returned to a routine points win before once again 7 months out of the ring before fighting for his second World title against Ricky Burns. Burns TKO'd Mitchell in round 4 and it appeared the end of the road for Mitchell, whose once promising career was spiralling down the toilet. He seeked professional help and is now tee-total. He regained a hunger for training and inspired by his two sons, targeted making his dream come true. With a wiser, clearer head and a drive to succeed, Mitchell returned under Eddie Hearn and notched up four wins. He would be fighting at Wembley Stadium in a final eliminator for the IBF title. Mitchell fought through tough moments when it looked like he was going to lose the fight against Ghislain Maduma (16-0) to KO his opponent in the 11th round with him trailing on all scorecards. Mitchell followed that up by beating Daniel Estrada (32-3-1) in arguably the most complete performance of his career. He showed tremendous ability to take out his opponent in the 8th round after completely dominating him.
Jorge Linares raced to 23-0 when he fought for his first world title. He KO'd the experienced Oscar Larios for the WBC Featherweight title. Linares defended his title once before moving up to challenge for the WBA Super Featherweight title. He won the fight by KO and defended it successfuly once before losing for the first time to Juan Carlos Salgado in the 1st round. He returned with four wins over good opposition before challenging for his 3rd World title at a 3rd weight. He was on route to winning a wide points decision when he was TKO'd in round 11 by Antonio DeMarco for the WBC Lightweight title. The disapointment and his dominance in the fight before being stopped led to him getting an immediate fight in an eliminator. He was TKO'd in round 2 after a terrible cut over his eye left him in no position to keep fighting. He responded with 6 wins before fighting for the vacant WBC Lightweight title, which he won by KO in round 4. Linares is a warrior with lightning fast hands. He loves a tear up and possesses good power. Linares is certanly here to retain his title and will not give his title up with out a serious fight.
The fact both of these fighters are good knock out punchers, with fast hands and love to stand and trade make this potentially the fight of the night. There is a good chance this fight will not go the distance as both fighters have not seen the final bell in any of their losses. The fight is a solid 50/50 contest. Every time Mitchell has fought for a World title he has choked and been taken out early. However, Mitchell has a new focus and has put his past problems behind him. Inspired by making history for himself and his sons, in front of his own fans, I see Mitchell having to show tremendous heart, possibly even getting of the canvass to stop Linares late and win the World title so many people predicted of him from the last 12 years. It will certainly be fun while it lasts!
