Oscar de la Hoya believes Kevin Mitchell’s WBC World Lightweight title clash with Jorge Linares is a must-watch fight at The O2 in London on May 30, live on Sky Sports.
Linares is promoted by Golden Boy and hall of fame legend De la Hoya expects his charge to be severely tested by hometown favourite Mitchell, the popular Dagenham man who is hoping to make it third time lucky in World title fights.
The Venezuelan became a three-weight World champion when he landed the vacant title in December, stopping Javier Prieto in four rounds in Tokyo, his home for over ten years. The clash between the well-travelled 29 year old and his 30 year old challenger is one of the most hotly-anticipated bouts on a bumper bill in London, and De la Hoya expects fight fans to be royally entertained by the battle.
“Jorge Linares is a World champion fighter and is determined to give Kevin Mitchell a difficult time in the ring as he looks to defend his title on May 30,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Mitchell may have hometown advantage but Linares’ speed and skill will give Mitchell a considerable challenge in the ring. Make no mistake though: this will be a difficult fight for both Linares and Mitchell and one that is sure to excite.”
Linares’ World title defence against Mitchell is part of a massive night of action at The O2, with Kell Brook defending his IBF World Welterweight title against Birmingham’s Frankie Gavin, while Lee Selby challenges Evgeny Gradovich for the Russian’s IBF World Featherweight title.
Olympic Heavyweight hero Anthony Joshua MBE faces his toughest test in the paid ranks against former World title challenger Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson and there are three great all-domestic title dust-ups.
John Ryder faces Nick Blackwell for the vacant British Middleweight title, Scotty Cardle and Craig Evans clash for the vacant British Lightweight title and Dave Ryan defends his Commonwealth Light Welterweight strap against John Wayne Hibbert. Former World champion Nathan Cleverly is in action and Lucien Reid makes his pro debut.
Limited tickets remain on sale for the bumper night of boxing at The O2 priced at £40 and £60 from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202.
