Will Mitchell beat Burns?

BBC Sport - Friends Ricky Burns and Kevin Mitchell prepare for WBO bout

If Mitchell prepares properly and fights to his potential he will clearly be a big test for Burns. Burns now has the edge that experience gives you and has improved as he has progressed. He is also very good at sticking to a gameplan and nullifying opponents weaknesses but lacks the power to finish things early. His conditioning is great but Kevin's natural ability and power could well prove to be the Scottish fighters downfall. If the real Kevin Mitchell turns up it is a hard one to call. Thoughts?

Tough one to call, it all depends on Mitchells focus, both are capable of winning and I Think it could go either way. Both are proven fighters at 135 and need this fight to move on to fight the best at 135.

It WILL go the distance and it will probably be close.

The difference?

Experience against world class opposition, proven heart and hometown advantage.

Burns PTS

I think Burns will bust up Mitchell and stop him late via facial injury / tko.

I'm looking forward to this fight more than any other currently planned.

I think Mitchell will win. He is the more talented fighter although Burns is mentally stronger. Take away the Katsidis fight and their form isn't that much different.

it dont matter what mitchell turns up burns is to good even for the best mitchell, burns wins and wins easy. Can't wait to hear all the michell fans excuses after this 1

This should be a belter of a fight, i like Burns but i think Mitchell will
nick a close decision.

I think Burns wins.

Mitchel is a quality fighter. I was really impressed vs Murray and Prescott but Ricky is on a different level. The Scot has jumped up a couple leagues and if yuou compare their fights with Katsidis theres only 1 winner.

Kev will put up a good fight but he has lapses in concentration and his career has gone up and down whereas Ricky just keeps on getting better and better so my money is on Burns. Stylewise Kev will struggle to lay a glove on Ricky but his will to win keeps him in there.

It's a cracking fight and one I find very difficult to call. Burns has every right to be seen as the favourite, with his experience,fighting at home and his mental fortitude. If he responds to the crowd and tries to stand and trade then Mitchell has a great chance, but if Burns circles and keeps Mitchell on the end of his jab he can be very elusive and his conditioning will see him build up a big points lead. Mitchell is much more than a brawler and Burns has more in his armoury than a great defensive game, so anything can happen.

I don't think Mitchell is serious about boxing anymore. He owns a bar somewhere in London now and he's probably spending a bit of time there. I can't see him getting back to his absolute top form which is where he'd need to be to beat Burns. Burns wins by late stoppage or points.

Burns to win by KO. Probably the most underrated boxer around atm

This for me is one of the best matchups of recent times. I'm so on the fence that I've got splinters in my arse ;D

I have voted I have no idea because I don't. Not so long ago I would have gone Mitchell but Burns is a real surprise merchant!