East London boxer in confident mood ahead of Liverpool showdown

The promise of a world-title chance for Kevin Mitchell adds extra appeal to Frank Warren’s super show at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday night.

The unique night of boxing already had a large local interest with Nicky Cook’s clash against WBO super-featherweight champion Ricky Burns heading an outstanding bill.

However, it has been boosted by the addition of Mitchell’s meeting with John Murray and the prize dangled by the promoter of a clash against WBA king Brendan Rios for the winner.

East Londoner Mitchell has been out of action for 14 months since his only pro defeat, when he was stopped last year by Michael Katsidis in his interim world-title challenge.

However, last weekend a lean-looking Mitchell revealed that he was ready for a clash that could decide his fighting future knowing that defeat could finish his career.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “We had to postpone the fight because I don’t want any excuses this time. I want to get in there and show the fans what I’m capable of.

“I’m quite pleased it’s in Liverpool. I like it up there and know a lot of people. Putting it back a week has helped me massively.”

Unbeaten Murray said he’d jump at the chance to meet WBA king Rios, but Mitchell insists the fight will not be as easy as the Manchester boxer seems to think it will be.

“He can talk up a fight between himself and Rios all he likes, but he’s got to get past me first,” said Mitchell.

“I’m going to knock him out on Saturday, so he can kiss goodbye to his dream of becoming a world champion.

“Rios looks like an all-action fighter, so a fight between me and him would be an absolute classic.

“He’s a genuine world champion, and I’ll set my sights on him after I beat Murray on Saturday night.”

However, Murray is just as confident going into the fight and tells how he hasn’t been affected by the change of location.

“I don’t think moving my fight with Kevin Mitchell to Liverpool will make much difference,” he said.

“I am confident I will beat Kevin wherever the fight takes place.

“Victory should open the door for a world title fight- and that’s what I want.”