Kevin Mitchell wants British success!

**Joes Missus** · 03-16-2006 12:54 AM

IBF Intercontinental super-featherweight champion Kevin Mitchell says he is aiming to win the British title before the end of the year.

Mitchell defends his crown on the "Brat Pack" card at York Hall on May 13, the first time he has headlined a show in his three-year professional career.

But the talented 21-year-old, who has stretched his winning record to 18-0 since turning pro in Dagenham in 2003, is hoping to move on to bigger and better things.

He currently has designs on Alex Arthur's British crown, and promoter Frank Warren today indicated that Mitchell could be in the mix for a shot at the vacate belt if the Scotsman moves on to a world title challenge.

"It makes sense for Kevin to get a shot," said Warren. "He's shown that he can do 12 rounds, he's shown that he can punch, and he is a very exciting prospect for the future."

Mitchell quipped that he could see no reason why Arthur would miss one of three belts he holds, but joking aside says he too feels he is ready for the step up.

"I've progressed quite a bit and I think I've done all right for a 21-year-old," he said.

"That last opponent I boxed (Youseff Djibaba) fought Willie Limond and he gave him all the trouble he could handle. I played with him, and I'm exactly where I want to be at the moment."

Had some had their way, Mitchell wouldn't have been so far advanced as a professional at the moment, and would have instead gone to the 2004 Olympics.

But he says despite the level of fame a silver medal gave Amir Khan, he has no regrets about not sticking to the vest-and-headguard ranks and trying his luck in Greece.

"I wasn't really getting the breaks for England, and was being asked to box on three or four days notice, and to me the selectors had their favourites and I wasn't one of them," said Mitchell.

"But you give me an Olympic gold medal or the WBC world title and I'd throw the gold medal away and take the WBC title like a shot.

"It's the one that I've always wanted to win, and growing up as a kid I was watching guys like Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn on the television, and the fact they were world champions inspired me."

Mitchell was hailed as the next big thing when he turned professional, and despite still being highly regarded, he would be the first to admit Khan has stolen some of his thunder.

But the Dagenham Destroyer showed impressive magmanity when asked if he resented his northern rival's progress.

"I think what Amir has done is fantastic and he deserves every success that comes his way," said Mitchell. "I think the media should make more stars, because without stars the sport will die.

"I know my time will come though and I'll be as famous as Amir sooner rather than later."