The Comeback & Redemption of Kevin Mitchell
By Samaarah Choubak
Mitchell used a secret game plan and his training gym was closed to the public eye for weeks, he stayed quiet and factually focused and became the man of the moment and got his redemption after his loss with Katsidis. This was a vacant title to be taken WBO Intercontinental at stake. Mitchell had the same record as Murry up until he got beaten by Katsidis from Australia.
Mitchell entered the ring with a steady pace spring jumping inside the ring and remained warmed up, Murray entered on the song “Johnny Be Good” the crowds were very excited for the man from Manchester.
Round 1 – first to throw was Mitchell with a strong left and really took this round, he gave his masterful uppercuts and this was a nice start and Murray was moving towards the punches of Mitchell and did not target anything however he stayed close and tight.
Round 2 – Murray hit Mitchell frontal face they both landed punches simultaneously and Murray gave a very good punch and another good right and got Mitchell in the corner and closed the round and stayed steady.
Round 3 – Mitchell moved swiftly and has now changed tactics and was taken on the ropes again and Murray gave numerous body shots and missed some and Mitchell closed the round again.
Round 4 – During this time Mitchell was bouncing and flexible and Murray was guided towards Mitchell and placed him near to the ropes again however he moved speedily and gave Murray a combination of some sensational uppercuts in three’s with a fantastic left.
Round 5 – After a telling off from the referee to Mitchell for holding he was taken and strapped and pushed to the edge by Murray and Mitchell went forth and this was round was quite equal.
Round 6 – Murray with an apparent eye injury goes in and Mitchell gave concise punches best to his ability and Murray came back tough mid round and gave a punch on the back of the head of Mitchell who was too low at this point and halfway through Mitchell was having a very good round and Murray was still sturdy in this round.
Round 7 – Murray’s punches pushed Mitchell however he got the advantage over Murray and broke Murray down and danced with a spring in his footwork and punches, Mitchell threw some combinations and disorientated Murray and he was saved by the bell literally. Mitchell lifted his arms up as he knew he was going to be the winner and he won that round for definite. Murray’s corner was telling him “Keep it tight”.
Round 8 – Mitchell just went in at fast speed and it seemed at this point Murray could not see as both of his eyes were quite damaged by the punches of Mitchell and Murray still went on instinctively at this point he was hurt and he went down he was counted to 7 and got up and Mitchell went in for the kill and it was all over the fight was stopped by the referee.
Mitchell won on TKO of the 8th round and showed some fine art in the game of boxing. Mitchell said to Sky Sports after the fight “Look at me today I’m perfect and want to be world champion next and to come back after a long time I’ve messed about with the other fight I had no time now to mess about what I was thinking.”
Jimmy Tibbs his trainer said ” The tactics paid off and the job paid off, he done a proper job and I’m well proud of him.”
Redemption for Kevin Mitchell was truly magnificent tonight in Liverpool with his signatures punches the uppercuts and left hooks he gave some superb combinations and this was the “Comeback Of Kevin Mitchell”.
—