Boxing News 24/7 Tommy Barber – London
Boxer-puncher Kevin Mitchell, one of the most talented lightweights in Europe, will take on late replacement Felix Lora – a 27-year-old Dominican based in Barcelona – on Friday, February 10 at the historic York Hall, London in what will be Mitchell’s first hometown fight since May, 2010. Mitchell wants to produce a boxing clinic against Lora in order to set-up a match-up with WBO titlist Ricky Burns in another battle of Britain bout in the 135lb division.
“It’s going to be a massive East End crowd at the York Hall and I can’t wait to put on a knockout show in front of my fans against Lora.”
Mitchell (32-1-0, 24ko) was last in the ring in July, 2011, in an all-England encounter with John Murray. Mitchell employed a box-and-move tactic, outclassing Murray prior to an eighth round technical knockout in what was a domestic fight of the year nominee. The triumph over Murray was crucial for Mitchell, as it followed a disappointing third round blowout defeat to Michael Katsidis.
“This is the first time since the Michael Katsidis fight in 2010 that I’ve fought in London and I’ve had a cracking win against Murray in Manchester [sic: Liverpool] so this will be a nice homecoming for me.”
Prospective opponents for Mitchell this year have included tough Oxnard hombre Brandon Rios, a rematch with game Australian Katsidis and a dust-up with resilient Scotsman; Ricky Burns.
“A fight with Burns is a massive incentive to make sure I’m looking at my best on the night and it’s a fight I’d love to have next.”
The Hammer, though, is not looking past Lora (14-8-5, 8ko) and, on fight night, will be looking to raise awareness – and funds – for neuroblastoma; a cancer that develops in nerve tissue and afflicts infants. Typically, there are 100 cases per year in the UK, one of which concerns Mitchell Huth; Kevin’s cousin’s son.
Mitchell hopes to raise enough money on February 10 in order to fund American treatment for Huth: “This young lad is the real hero. Forget what I’ve done in the ring… to see Mitchell, who’s only six years old, fight his illness is a real inspiration to me and I hope everyone will contribute on the night.”
For all of boxing’s biggest stories click here
onthebeak@gmail.com
One Response to “Kevin Mitchell wants to dispatch of Lora to have a Burns night, inspired by cancer-stricken relative”