Mitchell's sights set on earning tilt at Khan

11 November 2009

By Duncan Bech

KEVIN Mitchell hopes he can move a step closer to a showdown with Amir Khan by crushing the fighter who almost ruined his domestic rival's career.

Colombia's Breidis Prescott stunned British boxing when he flattened Khan in 54 seconds just over a year ago, inflicting the solitary defeat on his professional record. Khan responded to the setback magnificently, stopping Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera and seizing the WBA light-welterweight belt from Andreas Kotelnik.

The first defence of his crown will be staged at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena on 5 December, yet just as fascinating a contest is Mitchell's WBO lightweight title eliminator on the undercard.

The unbeaten 25-year-old from Dagenham is ready to step out of Khan's shadow in the hope of one day securing a showdown against his domestic rival.

"Everyone wants to see me fight Khan. Amir's a brilliant fighter but I've always wanted to fight him," he said. "Amir was made out to be a superstar so when Prescott came over and demolished him like he was nothing it made him look like a world beater. But I fancy demolishing Prescott within ten rounds. Then I'll be the superstar.

"Me against Amir would be a massive fight. We could have it at West Ham in the summer, 35,000 would turn up. I've always thought I was the best in British boxing for my age, but I was outshone when Amir came back from the Olympics. Now I've had time to learn."

Prescott's punching power left a big impression on the UK but the 26-year-old lost the last of his two fights since, on points against Miguel Vazquez in July.

However, his record of 18 knockouts in 21 wins remains impressive, though Mitchell insists it is the South American who should be worried.

"Breidis caught Amir on the chin and he got knocked out," he said. "Amir had his hands down and chin out and most people would have been knocked out by that shot. But Breidis has to be more worried about what I hit like. I've had 21 knockouts in 29 fights and some of them were against good fighters. I won't lose any sleep over his punching power. He does hit hard but he makes a lot of mistakes and I want to capitalise on those."

Gold medal winner James DeGale joins fellow Olympians Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders on the undercard, with opponents yet to be announced.

DeGale, who has put a troubled start to his professional career behind him, is likely to face unbeaten super-middleweight prospect, George Groves.

Meanwhile, promoter Frank Warren yesterday unveiled 19-year-old Oldham welterweight Ronnie Heffron, who won an ABA title earlier this year, as the latest addition to his stable.

Was just about to post on this fight. Looks like a real good opportunity for Mitchell. Hope he takes it! Could be a cracking fight! Who does everyone think will win?

It's a good 50/50 fight for me, in the fights before & after Khan, Prescott has looked fairly average while Mitchell hasn't fought for a long time & is jumping weight so not really sure, think it should be a nice scrap though.

Prescott is going to get absolutely leathered by Mitchell.

I think that Mitchell will win.

Also be good to see Groves Vs DeGale, Ive seen them both box live this year and think this will be a cracker.

I'm very surprised that DeGale and Groves are being matched at such an early stage. It'll be great to see if it actually goes ahead.

i can't believe degale and groves are fighting each other. where's this news come from?

That can't be right, not heard anything about this fight anywhere so must be some shitty journalists mistake, can't imagine them being matched at this stage.

DeGale wont happen.

Simple as that.

The only way it will happen is if both are at Brit, Euro or World title level. It wont be on an undercard. At the least Warren will want that at the York Hall, with a belt, live on Sky.

If it does, wow!

What a card!

Khan/Salita, Mitchell/Prescott, DeGale/Groves

Very out of character for Frank Warren!

Im going if thats the case!

Just read another article where DeGale was talking about Haye & he also spoke of his upcoming fight with no mention of the opponent being Groves so I think we can safely say this won't happen.