Last chance saloon for Kevin Mitchell

Last chance saloon for Kevin Mitchell

In a career spanning 40 fights, including 38 wins, one failed World title attempt and an Upton Park dream that quickly turned into a nightmare, Kevin Mitchell will look to make 2015 the year he finally realises his dream of becoming World Champion.

The Dagenham fighter is headlining a bill at the 02 Arena this Saturday as he takes on Mexican, Daniel Estrada, in a final eliminator for Jorge Linares‘ WBC World Lightweight title, in what is surely to be Mitchell’s final chance to win a World title.

‘The Hammer’s” only previous World title shot ended in a fourth round stoppage defeat to then WBO champion, Ricky Burns in 2012. Nonetheless since joining Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable, he has amassed five consecutive victories to land himself this eliminator shot.

However, Mitchell struggled against Ghislain Maduma in his last fight, being down on all three of the judges scorecards, before forcing an 11th round stoppage. Frustratingly, this should have resulted him in becoming the mandatory challenger to Mickey Bey’s IBF title, but after gaining 2lb more than permitted overnight after the weigh in, he won the fight but not the mandatory position.

At 30, Mitchell has a lot to prove and not a lot of time to do it in. A win against Estrada, not only offers him a shot at Linares’ world title but it also offers a chance to potentially fight for the title at Upton Park, whether it be against Linares or in a defence should he win the title. Mitchell has spoken openly many times about his desire to right the wrongs of his devastating third round stoppage defeat to Michael Katsidis, at the home of his beloved West Ham United.

Saturday’s fight is a must win for both fighters, as Estrada finds himself in a similar situation. The Mexican comes into the fight on the back of a stoppage defeat to Omar Figueroa, for the WBC belt, and he needs to win to prove he belongs at that top level.

Defeat for Mitchell wouldn’t spell the end of his career. With Derry Matthews having a shot at Richard Abril’s WBA title; and Anthony Crolla on the cusp of things at world level; as well as the emergence of Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle; there are some big domestic fights to be had, regardless of the result on Saturday.

Nevertheless defeat on Saturday, would certainly end any aspirations for challenging for a World title, and it is very much Kevin Mitchell’s last chance to win one.

Kevin Mitchell will take on Daniel Estrada, at the 02 Arena, for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight title, in a final eliminator for the WBC World title, on Saturday 31st January.

- Sean McCormick / S_McCormick95