Being i'm a man i don't have any feelings. Even if i did i certainly wouldn't want to talk about them.
I'm afraid I don't know enough about Mitchell to really foretell what I think might happen. I am always glad for the opportunity to observe Katsidis, though, & it's difficult not to cheer for a fighter of his nature. It looks like he'll probably never become a true, linear champion, but you never know. Marquez, after all, is nearing the end of the line. I hope Katsidis makes the most of the next three or four years financially, as they'll likely be his last in the sport.
Mitchell had a lot of problems with Carl Johannson a couple of years back, british posters will remember the fight, one of the best domestic fights in recent times. Johannson is a poorer version of Katsidis. THAT kevin mitchell gets beaten handsomely, or well, rather ugly. But, it has to be said, he's shown improvement since then. He fights a bit smarter, and uses his feet more. He fought effectively on the back foot vs Bredis Prescott, but lets be honest, Prescott's KO of Khan flattered him immensely. It should be a great fight....Mitchell won't try and meet Katsidis head-on, but i think after a few round he maybe forced to...i don't think the same tactics will work as they did vs Prescott. Mitchell's got quick hands and a little pop too, certainly enough to hurt Katsidis. It's a big step up for Mitchell...if the fight stays close, and goes the distance then i lean towards the Londoner, because he'll have a big crowd behind him at Upton Park....Katsidis will have to win rounds big to have a hope with the judges.
Yeah, I remember the Mitchell-Johannson fight too. It was a real barnburner and Mitchell looked out on his feet at the half way point before digging deep and finding a way to pull it out. That fight seems the most logical marker of how this fight will go, but... ...Kevin has surprised a few by boxing instead of trading in his last couple of fights, which is no bad thing in preparing for a guy like Katsidis, because if he goes in for the trading war type of fight I think he loses. He needs to try and outbox Michael, keep him off him with stiff jabs and counter punches and to try and hurt Katsidis because that is the only way you can get Katsidis out of his comfort zone. On the other hand, with Katsidis, you know exactly what you are going to get. He will try to walk Mitchell down and get him into a war as quickly as he can. He will figure that this is his best chance of winning and he is right. It is hard to dislike Katsidis. He is everything I like in a fighter and is as entertaining as they come. Tough, strong, gutsy and a tremendous work ethic. In fact, this will be the first and probably the only time I'll be actively rooting against him. This one is almost too close to call, but I think Mitchell might just do enough to eck out a win. If he doesn't, it would be extremely difficult to begrudge the Aussie his moment of glory. MTF
I can´t believe people are suddenly impressed, because Mitchell won a 8-4-ish decision over that superscrub Prescott. That weren´t some new found boxing skills by Mitchell, that was just a horrible opponent. Now Katsidis isn´t great either, and not exactly a genius, given the nature of his loss to Casamayor, so a lot can happen in this fight, but I think Katsidis is too good and strong for Mitchell.
Mitchell's comeback against Carl was really impressive and the guy has improved since then. I think this is going to be one of the best fights this year, two guys evenly matched who like to have a go. Tough fight to pick a winner and I agree with Feebs its hard not to like the Kat and I would usually cheer him on but I do like this Mitchell guy and I'd love to see Kevin pull it out of the bag.
mitchell imo, is yuri foreman'esque. monotonous in terms of style yet very effective. katsidis is somewhat underrated though. he's there to fight for all twelve rounds and he gives you very little room to breathe. if mitchell outpoints him, it's expected. if katsidis overwhelms, then it's not really a surprise. considering katsidis' exciting style, i hope he wins.
I agree, i don't expect to see Mitchell box rings around Katsidis....that's what he'll try to do, and he may have some success with it, but i dont expect him to keep it up...by the middle-rounds he'll be trying to stand his ground....which doesn't mean he loses this fight. Katsidis is no great shakes....Graham Earl had him badly hurt, and with Mitchell's hand speed, he will catch Katsidis clean. Mitchell's defence has improved, but is by no means water-tight. It's a really tough fight to call....but should be very fun to watch.
Judging by some of the comments on this thread, I think many will be surprised just how easy this turns out being for Mitchell, it's in the bag.
i'm going to this fight next week. Can't wait. UD win for mitchell in what I expect to be a pretty comfortable win
Man why isn't this shit on HBO. Katsidis is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and on the same night Paulie M is fighting on their network.
Its going to be brutal. Katsidis really is expecting to shut Mitchell up, but he is not going to know whats hit him come tonight. My seat is being kept warm for me ringside and I cant wait for this one.
Well yes, it'd definitely make him one of the top lightweights in the world. 135 is a waste land though. Marquez and Diaz are both near the end, Soto is nothing special, Funeka prob cant make the weight anymore w/drugs. The only two YOUNG guys at 135 w/any talent seem to be Mitchell, and Anthony Peterson. And so far Peterson's progress has been a huge letdown. Irish is that guy John Murray any good?
Katsidis at 5/2 to win is over the odds IMO. Also 40/1 on 7th and 8th round KO's and 70/1 12th round KO. So yeah, go Katsidis!
Well Murray is a natural 135lbr that Amir Khan didn't really want any part of, that's for sure. He is now the European Champ too. He is definitely a good fighter, not to be confused with that other Murray who was KO'd by Bobbie Vanzie back in the day, Steve Murray
All these British Olympians are scrubs. Saunders, DeGale. They have a bright future in FNF prizefighter tournaments. DeGale is even too dumb for holding and then hitting.
I don't rate Saunders all that highly, though he's only 19. Scrub's harsh but i don't see him threatening at world level. DeGale still has a fair bit to learn, but in flashes he looks really good....the KO was top draw. I think he has a lot of potential....i think it will take better opponents to get the best out of him because when he finds it too easy he can switch off a bit. Gavin could be the best of the lot. They haven't shown his fight from tonight but i've been most impressed with him so far....he looks like he's learnt the most of the three to date.
Okay didn´t know Saunders was that young, but DeGale has a horrible timing and judgment of distance for an olympic gold medalist. I mean Horton is a bum, and he could hardly hit him clean. Smothered himself and always stopped fighting on the inside.
He wasn't at his sharpest, but you could see he had little respect for his opponent. I still think he showed good potential.