Mitchell v Katsidis should be a cracker
Kevin Mitchell could be forgiven for occupying Cloud 8 at the moment. His fight against Michael Katsidis for the interim WBO lightweight title on May 15th is not only being held as his beloved Upton Park in front of a home crowd and his family and friends, he is also meeting a hugely credible opponent in a close matchup. No one can say that Katsidis has not fought hard for his current interim position with the WBO and it will take all Mitchell's much vaunted skill to wrest the belt from the Australian's waist and elevate him to Cloud 9.
Let’s start with Mitchell then. Undefeated in his professional career (standing at 31-0 (23)) and a former champion in the unpaid ranks, Mitchell has served a long apprenticeship as a professional. He has won the British and Commonwealth titles and has beaten the likes of Andrey Isaev, Ignacio Mendoza and Harry Ramagoadi. His piece de resistance however, was the fight that catapulted him into the title picture, his classy points win against the dangerous Columbian puncher, Breidis Prescott. His movement, defence and tactics that night were nothing short of world class. A definitive statement made to support his world title aspirations. Mitchell has earned his shot, and he has waited long enough as the WBO Intercontinental champion.
Katsidis (with a record of 26-2 (21)) inspires a similar feeling. Despite having fought fewer bouts than Mitchell, he has made his name as a warrior, a relentless brawler, who comes forward all night and has never been afraid of a few cuts and bruises. He wears his scars proudly. He has also fought in more esteemed company too, taking on the likes of Vincente Escobedo and Jesus Chavez and winning. Let’s not forget the amazing brawl he had with Graham Earl. He will have learned plenty also from his losses to Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz. Katsidis also has a strong amateur background and is a former Australian Olympian. With loads of heart, a hard punch and a long spell waiting in the WBO rankings, Katsidis will not be looking to fall now. Whereas Mitchell has only fought at lightweight a total of four times, Katsidis has been a career lightweight and has the greater experience at the weight.
Physically there is very little to differentiate the two men. Mitchell is just one inch taller at 5’8” and both men always present themselves in top shape. Interestingly both men have a virtually identical knockout ratio, so power may not be the deciding factor for this fight.
This is close matchup, with barely a fag paper between these two men initially. You could argue that Mitchell’s home advantage will make the difference, but then look at what happened to Earl. Katsidis will fight hard wherever he is. He will bore away like a miniature Joe Frazier, seeking to keep Mitchell off balance, out of rhythm and in close so that he can land uppercuts and hooks. Mitchell won’t get a second chance if Katsidis smells blood. The Australian will just keep on punching until his work has the desired effect.
But therein lays the keys to Mitchell’s victory. He needs to utilise those old school skills he exhibited against Prescott. Box, slip and move. Hit and not be hit. Kevin displayed great head movement against Prescott and Mendoza and if he avoids being tempted into an all out war with Katsidis, Mitchell can certainly prevail. That’s not to say that Mitchell could not go toe to toe with the Australian. I am sure he could, and the resulting brawl would be one for the ages, but might not work in his favour. His footwork will open up the angles and his speed will count. If Katsidis cannot adapt then there will be trouble for him.
Come fight night, the atmosphere will be electric. It is not often you get two young, yet seasoned professionals with different styles, a proper desire to mix it up and old school ‘never say never’ attitudes already proven in their resumes. I for one, wish Mitchell the best. If he can win his dream world title at Upton Park, that will be another cracking entry into the elite for British boxing.
