It's all about me now - Mitchell
World title contender Kevin Mitchell admits Amir Khan has done him "a massive favour" by decamping to America as he bids to establish himself as a household name.
Dagenham favourite Mitchell has questioned the Bolton fighter's decision, but he admits the move has given him an opportunity to grab a bigger share of the limelight - starting with his headlining clash with Colombian Ignacio Mendoza live on Sky this Saturday.
WBO lightweight title contender Mitchell told Press Association Sport: "When Amir was fighting it was always the 'Amir Khan show' and I think now it will be the 'Kevin Mitchell show'. I'll be holding the big bills in London and it will be about me now."
He added: "Amir's done his own thing for his own reasons but he's done me a massive favour in terms of marketability and sponsorship.
"I think Frank's paid him millions and earned him a fortune and I think he could have shown a bit more loyalty to him. It's all right taking the money, but is he going to be looked after the way Frank looked after him?
"I don't know many people who got knocked out in one round in the way he did, so easily, and then two fights later he's a world champion. I've never seen that before in my life. That's what Frank's good at and why he's the best at his job."
Mitchell has long been linked with a fight against Khan but believes the 2004 Olympic silver medallist's defection has rendered a showdown more unlikely.
"I think it's made it harder," he said.
"I personally think if he thought he could beat me, the fight would be on.
"It would be a highly marketable fight and a massive money generator for the pair of us but I don't think it's on because he doesn't fancy it. There's too much to lose for him."
Date published :
09 Feb 2010 - 16:20:03
