Mitchell keeps on world title course
Kevin Mitchell continued his progression towards a world title shot with a stunning second-round knockout of Colombian Ignacio Mendoza at Wembley Arena.
East Londoner Mitchell is closing in on a crack at the WBO lightweight title, likely to be this summer, and needed to come through against tough Mendoza (27-5-2, 18KOs) on home turf.
The 25-year-old delivered in style, feeling his way into the fight before brutally knocking his opponent out cold midway through the second round.
Mitchell was eager to build on a career-best win in his last fight in December, when he took apart Breidis Prescott - the man who knocked out Amir Khan in a minute - over 12 rounds.
The Dagenham fighter (30-0, 22KOs) could face Australian Michael Katsidis for either the full or interim WBO title this summer and did his chances no harm tonight, setting up the fight with a sublime performance.
Mitchell shaded a cagey opening round and the second was going the same way until the midway point when it ended dramatically.
The Londoner was caught by a shot from Mendoza but fired back with a lightning-quick short right which put the Spain-based visitor down hard.
It quickly became apparent Mendoza was well and truly out for the count, with referee Richie Davies waving the fight off one minute and 24 seconds into the second round.
Date published :
13 Feb 2010 - 21:58:05
