Kevin Mitchell: "I want to be a three weight champion."

Kevin Mitchell stands on the turf of boxing’s big balloon and this Saturday has the chance to take off when he takes on tough Aussie Michael Katsidis for the WBO interim lightweight title at West Ham United’s Upton Park Stadium. Victory at his favourite football ground will promote him to boxing’s premier league but Mitchell is not taking his opponent lightly.

“Katsidis’ strengths are his workrate, punching power and durability, while his weaknesses are that he can be too game at times,” commented Mitchell to BoxRec News recently from his TKO gym headquarters.

Mitchell has been preparing himself to be placed under a lot of pressure by sparring with welterweights and light-middleweights while leaving the secret gameplan to his experienced trainer Jimmy Tibbs but should have the backing of a huge local following.

“There is a plan there of what to do but I can’t give it away, I think I will break his heart. It will be a buzzing atmosphere and a brilliant night for boxing. It’s nice to be involved in such a big event, I’ve sold 5,000 tickets myself and have been told I’m Frank Warren’s second highest ticket seller behind Ricky Hatton.”

Before entering the arena of battle, Kevin will spend Saturday at home “chilling out” watching a film (Scarface or Goodfellas) with his pals and thinks there are some scars left on Katsidis with his two defeats.

“I have seen his whole career and I think there is a pattern to those losses. I think he is a brilliant fighter if you stand in his face and let him smash you in the chin.”

Kevin is not fazed by Katsidis’ power and says he has proved he can take a shot. “I don’t buckle for anyone, my heart won’t allow it.”

Mitchell knows that a greater media interest is just around the corner but claims he is ready to be a star, and is not concerned about any intrusion. If he comes through this major test he’s keen on moving up to light-welterweight for an all British clash with Amir Khan but isn’t convinced Amir wants that.

“A world champion shouldn’t be ducking anyone. If you have got any bottle you take on the number one contender (referring to Marcos Maidana) I’m not even a world champion and I have taken a harder fight,” claimed Mitchell.

“I fought the guy who knocked him out (Breidis Prescott) and after that fight I sat in front of 200 press and said I wanted the fight. If he fancied the fight it would be on. I think everyone knows why this fight isn’t happening.”

If Khan is not in the picture then who is? “Marquez (Juan-Manuel) or Diaz, (Juan) I want to be a three weight champion.”

It’s up, up and away as long as Kevin doesn’t get put down under!