Mitchell ready for Rocky after York Hall return
Kevin Mitchell insists he is ready to face Roman 'Rocky' Martinez for the WBO world super-featherweight title after a successful return to action
By LEN WHALEY
Kevin Mitchell insists he is ready to face Roman 'Rocky' Martinez for the WBO world super-featherweight title after making a successful return to the ring on Friday night.
Mitchell made his comeback from a year-long injury lay-off by recording his 28th straight win with a quick-time triumph over Ghana's Lanquaye Wilson in three rounds at York Hall.
World champion Martinez, who took the WBO crown from Mitchell's friend and stable-mate Nicky Cook in March, is allowed one voluntary defence before facing his No1-ranked challenger Mitchell.
You may also want to watch:
And the British champion has been promised the world title shot by promoter Frank Warren, who is confident of winning the purse bids and bringing the Puerto Rican world titleholder back to Britain for the clash later this year.
Mitchell said: "It was good to get back with a win. I know am hitting much harder, and I'm already looking forward to the world title chance against Martinez."
Most Read
- 1 Fury as family homes vanish when Isle of Dogs landlord converts to bedsits
- 2 Two men arrested after police officers assaulted in Limehouse rave
- 3 Man sentenced after teenage boy groomed on Snapchat to sell heroin
- 4 'Racist consultation' protest rejected on Tower Hamlets street closures as Labour sticks to its manifesto
- 5 Airbnb house party violence leaves police officer with broken finger
- 6 Police hunt after stabbing in Cable Street: One man hurt
- 7 Death of woman, 75, in Mile End fire could have been avoided
- 8 Ethnic communities not taking up Covid jabs, Tower Hamlets Mayor warns
- 9 Teenager found dead in Victoria Park
- 10 Covid vaccination hub opening in Westfield next week
East London ace Mitchell took the chance to shake off the ring-rust in his first fight since undergoing a hand operation and took early control.
The Ghanaian was on the receiving end of rapid-fire attacks in the opening round and gave Mitchell few problems as the exchanges became even more one-sided in the second round.
The British champion was just too quick and too powerful and referee Dave Parris intervened in the third round with the gallant Ghanaian on his feet but taking heavy punishment.
Younger brother Vinny Mitchell - another member of trainer Paul Cook's stable - completed a family double on the York Hall bill after recording a ninth straight pro victory .
Bright prospect Vinny gave an improved performance against Youssef Al Hamidi in a four-round clash, piling up the points with a steady stream of shots and routinely finding the target against his experienced opponent.
But it was a tough night for seasoned campaigner Marc Callaghan, who could not stop unbeaten Norfolk ace Ryan Walsh from recording a third-round retirement victory.
The Sports Network show was headlined by Nathan Cleverly's two-round Commonwealth light-heavyweight title defence against Billy Boyle.
