Burns vs Mitchell- Fight Candidate of the year

Burns vs Mitchell - Fight of the Year Candidate?by Danny Richardson



Yesterday, it was confirmed that Scottish superstar Ricky Burns will defend his WBO lightweight title against Dagenham's Kevin Mitchell in September, a fight which has been high in demand amongst the British public. Burns, who has strung together some impressive performances in recent years, will face arguably his toughest test against Mitchell, whose only career defeat in 33 contests came at the hands of Australian warrior Michael Katsidis, who Burns beat late last year. With both men having a point to prove and the Scotland vs England factor, the fight promises to be a barnstormer and a true Battle of Britain.



I am a fan of both fighters and when the fight was announced, the first thing that came into my head was 'Fight of the Year'. Both fighters are extremely talented, and their stories are worthy of Hollywood, making this fight one of the most I have ever looked forward to, and apart from the up and coming Haye and Chisora fight, the biggest domestic fight in years.



Burns has had a rapid rise to fame. Since shocking the world by beating Roman Martinez to win the WBO super featherweight title in 2010, 'Rickster' has beaten good fighters in Michael Katsidis and Paulus Moses, and is still developing as a fighter. His speed and boxing ability has made him a top level operator, and he is starting to receive the credit he deserves. Although the quality of opposition he has faced has come into question, especially after his farcical win over Nicky Cook, Burns has proven that he is world class, but still has his doubters. But by facing Mitchell, a fight that many have called for over the past year, his stock will surely rise further.



Mitchell on the other hand, has had a roller coaster of a career, especially in the past few years. Wins over Breidis Prescott and Ignacio Mendoza earned the Essex man a shot at Michael Katsidis, for the interim WBO lightweight title in 2010. A packed out Upton Park eagerly awaited a Mitchell victory, but what they got was quite the opposite. Mitchell was destroyed in 3 rounds by the Australian, and personal problems left Mitchell in tatters.



Suffering from all kinds of trouble, Mitchell made a return to the ring a year later, against the highly rated John Murray. In what was the fight if the year, Mitchell looked back to his best, showcasing his talent and taking the previously unbeaten Murray out in 8 rounds, setting the express train rolling again.



However, since then, Mitchell has suffered from more personal problems, and has fought just once since beating Murray, a lopsided 10 round decision over the previously unheard of Felix Lora. Mitchell has promised much in his career, and has shown that he can mix it with the best and beat them. However, he has so far failed to deliver, and the fight against Burns will be seen as the last chance for Mitchell to get his career back on track and fight for world honours. Mitchell is extremely likeable and I'm a huge fan, but I think he will be the first to admit that he hasn't focused on boxing as much has he has needed to. However, with his personal troubles well and truly behind him, I wouldn't bet against 'The Hammer' beating Burns, and claiming a world title in the process.



However, Burns will probably go into the fight as the favourite. He is after all the world champion, and has been the more active of the two in recent years. The fight is also likely to be in Scotland, so he will have hardcore support behind him. Burns has improved massively since losing to Carl Johanneson in 2007, and will be the betting favourite all the way up to September 22nd.



However in my opinion, you would be a fool to bet against Mitchell. Although he has had his troubles, you can't deny he has talent and a will to win. He was wrote off going in against John Murray last year, and produced a stunning performance to halt a man who had never been beaten before. He is judged unfairly on the Katsidis fight, after all it is hard to know what was going on in his head at the time. He has all the tools needed to pull off a win against Burns, and I personally, even though I am a fan of both fighters, would love to see him pull it off. As long as his head is clear, then I can see a Mitchell win.



What makes this fight so great, is that even though both fighters are extremely likeable and they both respect each other, it is a fight which everyone will want to see even though there is no bad blood, and that will go a long way to restoring the credibility of British boxing, especially after the Haye/Chisora controversy. Although both fights will be watched with great anticipation, the difference with Burns vs Mitchell is that we have two fighters who are in the game for all the right reasons and are respected by most fans. It promises to be tremendous occasion, and I for one can't wait to see them get it on.