Mitchell Gets WBA Interim Title Shot Against KO Artist Barroso

Kevin Mitchell will face Ismael Barroso for the WBA Interim Lightweight title at The O2 in London on December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The clash takes Mitchell back to the scene of his epic WBC title clash with Jorge Linares in May and the popular Londoner will need to be at his very best at the sold-out venue against the visitor.

Unbeaten Barroso holds an enviable record of 18 wins with 17 of them coming inside the distance and the reward for both men on the night is huge – as the victor must face the winner of Saturday’s rematch between WBA king Darleys Perez and Anthony Crolla within 90 days for the World title.

‘El Tigre’s’ impressive KO record is a daunting prospect for Mitchell, but the 31 year old believes he can beat the southpaw and hopes that will set up an all-British showdown with Anthony Crolla in 2016.

“This is a massive fight for me,” said Mitchell. “Barroso is a strong southpaw with power in both hands, but I am confident that I can smother that threat, impose my skills on him and get the win on another great night at The O2.

“I thought that Anthony won the first fight with Perez. I am sure he was gutted, but the whole country is behind him and nobody more than me. He’s a great guy and a great fighter and I’ll be cheering him on tomorrow – if he gets the win and I beat Barroso we’ll serve up a massive fight in the spring.”

Mitchell’s clash with Barroso is part of a blockbuster night of action at The O2 topped by Anthony Joshua MBE’s British and Commonwealth Heavyweight title clash with bitter rival Dillian Whyte.\

Chris Eubank Jr and Spike O’Sullivan meet in a final eliminator for the WBA Middleweight title, Liverpool Cruiserweight favourite Tony Bellew faces Mateusz Masternak, while Josh Warrington and Luke Campbell MBE both also feature.