Next up for Rick Burns, my mate Kevin Mitchell!
Kevin Mitchell eyes Burns scrap
MAN ON A MISSION ... Kevin Mitchell wants to face Ricky Burns before cleaning up the lightweight division
KEVIN MITCHELL is determined to teach Ricky Burns a lesson as he looks to bounce back with a bang in the New Year.
Mitchell has endured a frustrating time on the sidelines since ending John Murray's undefeated streak with an eighth-round stoppage in July.
He openly admits mistakes away from the ring have cost him dearly but is desperate to return to action and silence his doubters once and for all.
Mitchell told SunSport: "If I'm honest, it's been a bit gutting rather than frustrating. Boxing's my life, it's my career and I've always loved it.
"I'm heading towards the latter part of my career now and it's been a bit stop-start at a time when I really should be world champion.
"I've heard whispers that I'll be back in action early in the New Year and I'm hoping it's going to be against Burns."
PAST AND PRESENT ... Mitchell has already faced Katsidis and now he wants Burns
Mitchell, 27, admits he previously agreed to a showdown with Burns after being offered the fight by promoter Frank Warren.
The bout did not materialise but the West Ham fan is keen to keen hold clear-the-air talks with Warren and finally make it a reality.
He added: "I was asked if I wanted the Burns fight before and, as you'd expect, I said yes. However, a few days later I was told the fight couldn't be made.
"I wouldn't say there's tension there between me and Frank but it's fair to say a few things are going on.
"He's not happy with me on his behalf and I'm not happy with him on my behalf.
"But I should be having a meeting with him soon where we'll put our cards on the table and get everything out in the open.
"The one thing I am sure of is that I'll be staying with Frank, 100 per cent."
During his time out of action, Mitchell has been an interested spectator as Burns and former victim Murray have secured high-profile clashes.
Burns came through his lightweight debut by defeating Michael Katsidis on points to claim the interim WBO title, while Murray is due to face Brandon Rios for the WBA crown in New York next month.
The irony is not lost on Mitchell that Scot Burns defeated the man who inflicted the only blemish on his career, or that Murray has effectively leapfrogged him to earn a shot at a world champion.
But he is adamant there will be no doubt who Britain's top lightweight is the next time he laces up the gloves.
Mitchell said: "Take nothing away from Burns, I thought he was brilliant. He did exactly what I should have done when I faced Katsidis.
"It was a textbook performance and I always fancied him to win on points. I said he'd be in for a hard night's work but he did exactly what I said he would before the fight.
"To be fair though, I'd just be too much for him. Look at how I boxed against Murray — he won't be able to handle that.
REDEMPTION ... Mitchell produced the goods in a thrilling encounter with Murray
"I've sparred with Burns. I got the best of him on the first day and he had the second because I wasn't fit enough at the time.
"He's a good kid but I've just got too much variety for him. I punch hard, I've got quick hands and good movement.
"I've got a great engine as well and I've proven that the stamina's there to go 12 rounds.
"As for Murray, he's a good kid but Bam Bam Rios is just a stronger version of him.
"Murray's not a big puncher and doesn't overextend with his shots, he keeps himself tidy. Bam Bam, on the other hand, stretches in with his punches and leaves himself exposed.
"He can definitely win the title, but it depends how he comes back from the defeat to me. I gave him a beating and it takes a lot out of a fighter.
"I hope it hasn't done that to Murray because he's a good lad and a nice man, plus I really want him to win as Bam Bam's got too much to say for himself."
After his shock three-round defeat to Aussie bruiser Katsidis in May 2010, it emerged that Mitchell had struggled to keep his focus due to personal problems.
He admits he should have walked away from the fight rather than risk his unbeaten record and reputation, but put his heart and soul into achieving redemption against Murray.
NIGHT TO FORGET ... Katsidis celebrates as Mitchell salutes his conquerer
The Hammer said: "You know what, all of the hard work for Murray was done in training. For those big fights, I batter myself black and blue to make sure I'm ready.
"All the big names do the same and from now on you'll never see my slip up like I did against Katsidis.
"At the time, I had things going on in my life that I'd never had before and will never have again. It was a little bit of inexperience on my part as I shouldn't have let the fight go ahead.
"I wasn't fit for the fight but it's been the only hiccup in my entire career.
"You look at the fights I've taken on and I've never ducked a challenge. I had time out with a hand injury yet I came back to bash Breidis Prescott, who had demolished Amir Khan.
"No one in the world wanted to face him at lightweight but I came back and gave him a boxing lesson. Your John Murrays and Ricky Burns didn't want it, but I was offered Prescott and 'boom' I took it.
"I was injured after that fight, I got double vision from it, but it healed up and I took on Ignacio Mendoza and destroyed him inside two rounds.
"I had a lot of problems in my life in the build-up to the Katsidis fight for the interim WBO world title and to be fair I overlooked too many things.
"I was just trying to get through it and be a man about everything by not pulling out.
"But looking back at the situation now, I realise I was just being an inexperienced kid about it and should have pulled out.
"I got beat and yet I jumped straight back in there for the fight with Murray after being out for over a year.
"Murray was the European champion but I went out there and destroyed him too.
"At the end of the day, no one should be overlooking or playing down my achievements."
Aside from a burning desire to defeat Burns, Mitchell has his sights set on a busy few years.
He wants to dominate the lightweight division, then move up a weight and conquer the United States before enjoying a triumphant end to his career on British soil.
Mitchell added: "I'll take on anyone at the moment. I want to win the lightweight title, defend it a few times and then go up to light-welterweight.
"I want the big names and I'm more than happy to go the States.
"But once I've conquered America I'll want to come back and box in London at places like The O2 or Upton Park.
"I like boxing in front of my own people and I don't want to end up staying in the States like a lot of British fighters do.
"I'll fight over there or four times and then bring back the best fighters over here.
"I love boxing at home and being in front of the home crowd. It doesn't bother me where I fight, I've boxed all over the world, but once I've conquered the States I want to be back in Britain."
Only time will tell what the future holds for Mitchell, but no one can doubt his desire or love for the sweet science.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...ws-Kevin-Mitchell-eyes-Ricky-Burns-scrap.html
Me and Kevin
