Duv Johal caught up with Kevin Mitchell ahead of his September 22nd clash with Ricky Burns
Kevin Mitchell and Ricky Burns collide next month in a clash billed the “Battle of Britain.” This has all the ingredients for a domestic classic with the WBO lightweight title being defended by Burns on his home turf in Glasgow, Scotland.
September 22nd is the night the blockbuster goes ahead, and Burns is the first Scotsman in nearly 20 years to become a two weight world champion. Last November he was in action beating Australian Micheal Katsidis, the only man to beat Kevin Mitchell.
Mitchell lost to Katsidis in March 2010 after being crushed with a heavy left hook which opened him up for a beating , the ref stopped the fight at the end of the third round.
Before the loss to Katsidis, Kevin Mitchell was making noise in the boxing world following his defeat of Amir Khan’s conqueror, Breidis Prescott in 2009 with a great performance on the Khan vs Salita under card. Shortly after his first defeat, Kevin Mitchell was arrested for possessing cocaine. Thankfully, for his own sake, he has managed to put his troubled personal life to bed. Shortly after the arrest he stopped John Murray, and then demonstrated his boxing ability well with a good win over Felix Lora.
Ricky Burns has a low KO percentage and is known as a skilled boxer who likes to outsmart his opponent. In contrast, Kevin Mitchell is completely different. Known as a hard hitter with only one loss and 24 knock-outs, his nickname in the ring is “The Hammer.”
The atmosphere will be electric and the fight will be entertaining no doubt as both men are in great shape and will be giving every ounce of energy they have. Earlier this week i caught up with Kevin Mitchell …
PBI:Ok, How’s training going for you? Not long left until fight night. Is there anything different you are doing for this training camp?
KM: Training is on par. No, we are not doing anything different for this fight except for a different gym. It’s a quiet location with loads of fresh air, no public or press are allowed.
PBI: It’s been billed the “Battle of Britain,” I watched the face off on Box Nation and it seems like you both are up for it, but there is some mutual respect there. Is that just for the cameras, or is it real?
KM: Yes the mutual respect is real . I like Ricky, he is a gent
PBI: Why did you want to fight him in Scotland on his home turf?
KM: I had no choice. The champ has it on his terms. I don’t mind where i box, but I do think it would have generated more tickets being sold if we fought in London.
PBI: Ricky Burns is known as a smart fighter and very crafty. Will you be using your power and strength to turn this into a war?
KM: I am also a smart boxer and can be crafty, but I’ve got the strength and edge on everything Ricky has got!
PBI:How much will a victory mean to you ?
KM: It’s one of my goals in life. It’s what I’ve always dreamt of.
PBI: When you first started boxing, was this the kind of fight you were expecting to be in?
KM: Yes of course
PBI: If you win this fight are you looking to fight Antonio De Marco in the future or Gavin Rees, or will you move up to 140 for bigger fights?
KM: I will defend this title then maybe move up a division
PBI: So hows it going to end on September 22nd? Will you knock Ricky out? How’s it going to go?
KM: All I’m saying is between rounds 9 and 11 the title’s mine.
PBI: Good luck with your fight, all the best. I’m sure it will b a cracking fight.
KM: Thanks mate
