Khan and Mitchell have words....
"I'd fancy it, but I don't think they would - Mitchell is Frank Warren's golden boy and I think they want to keep it that way," Khan told BBC Sport.
"I'd want it, but Amir wouldn't - he's been found out," Mitchell countered.
;D
BBC Sport - Amir Khan and Kevin Mitchell keen on domestic showdown
Amir Khan and Kevin Mitchell have both said they would like to fight each other in what would be the biggest all-British showdown in years.
However, both men, who box different opponents on 15 May, claim the other would not take the fight.
"I'd fancy it, but I don't think they would - Mitchell is Frank Warren's golden boy and I think they want to keep it that way," Khan told BBC Sport.
"I'd want it, but Amir wouldn't - he's been found out," Mitchell countered.
Bolton's Khan, 23, defends his WBA light-welterweight crown against Paulie Malignaggi at New York's Madison Square Garden on 15 May in what will be his United States debut.
Londoner Mitchell, 25, challenges Australian Michael Katsidis at Upton Park on the same evening, with the WBO interim lightweight belt up for grabs, although if Juan Manuel Marquez vacates, it will be for the full title.
Should both men win, the clamour for a domestic match-up would start to gather momentum, but Khan is adamant in his belief his former promoter Warren would not want to risk Mitchell.
It's been proven, anyone who can half-punch, Khan's vulnerable against
Kevin Mitchell
"Frank wouldn't want one of his fighters to get beat by a guy from a different camp," said Khan, who left Warren in January to join Oscar de la Hoya's outfit Golden Boy Promotions and who is now based in Los Angeles.
He added: "If it did happen, definitely I'd beat him, no doubt about it. He's a good fighter but it would just be a case of hit and move."
Mitchell, a former Commonwealth and British super-featherweight champion, garnered much coverage and praise for his classy defeat of Breidis Prescott last December, the man who knocked out Khan in 54 seconds in 2008.
Unlike Khan, Mitchell is still undefeated and the West Ham fanatic believes his old amateur friend has taken the easy option by moving to the States.
Mitchell told BBC Sport: "Amir Khan knows the score - he's a good boy and a nice boxer but I think everyone knows now in the boxing world what he's about.
"He took Paulie Malignaggi instead of taking on his number one mandatory [Marcos Maidana], so I think the Americans know the score as well.
"It's been proven, anyone who can half-punch, Khan's vulnerable against and Maidana can proper punch, which is why they are keeping away from him.
"He's got an easier opponent than me [on 15 May], definitely - a non-puncher, someone who doesn't throw many, an old boy and someone who Ricky Hatton beat two years ago. I'm taking on a ferocious, come-forward puncher who's as angry as they come."
Katsidis has 26 wins and 21 knockouts from 28 fights, although he has never fought for a world title, while Malignaggi has 27 wins and just five knockouts from 30 fights, but is a former IBF title-holder.
Khan said his decision to fight 29-year-old Malignaggi instead of Maidana was largely a financial one, and conceded the only way to silence those who continue to question his chin would be to fight one of the light-welterweight division's big-hitters next.
"The only way to prove the critics wrong is to fight the winner of Maidana and [WBC title-holder] Timothy Bradley [who meet on 17 July], that would be a big fight for me and that would shut a lot of critics up," said Khan, who has 22 wins from 23 fights.
Argentine Maidana has 28 wins from 29 fights, with 27 knockouts, while American Bradley remains unbeaten in 25 fights, with 11 knockouts.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Although I hate to admit it I think Khan would take him. I'd be rooting for Mitchell all the way though and the weight class would be vital. LW Mitchell has a chance LWW no chance IMO.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
I would love to see this fight made. I would be rooting for Mitchell, but yeah, think khan would take it. Mind u tho if Mitchell lands cleanly he could stop khan.
Job biscuit (been the craziest mofo since 1895)
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Yea of course Amir Khan would want to fight him at Jr Welterweight, making Kevin Mitchell move up in weight again. Which he already has not long ago, where he has the advantages.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
This fight will never happen imo.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
skel1983
This fight will never happen imo.
Why do u reckon skel
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
paddy448
Quote:
Originally Posted by
skel1983
This fight will never happen imo.
Why do u reckon skel
I just think they are going in different paths, if it did happen it would be way down the line at least 2/3 years away, Khan is at 140 and now on HBO, Mitchell is trying to become a champion and establish himself at 135, I think a Mitchell Murray fight is more likely.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
I think Khan would stop him to be honest. Too big and strong and too fast. Would be a decent scrap mind.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Think Khan would box him silly.. Mitchell has always looked to have a shaky defense too, not so much against the wild style of Prescott, but accurate punchers like Johanneson can hit him regularly.. would be a good fight none the less, especially if Kevin beats Katsidis, should get him alot more recognition here in the UK.
Would rather see Mitchell/Murray, now THAT would be a tear up.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
skel1983
Quote:
Originally Posted by
paddy448
Quote:
Originally Posted by
skel1983
This fight will never happen imo.
Why do u reckon skel
I just think they are going in different paths, if it did happen it would be way down the line at least 2/3 years away, Khan is at 140 and now on HBO, Mitchell is trying to become a champion and establish himself at 135, I think a Mitchell Murray fight is more likely.
I actually give Murray a great chance. He really looks like he could make some noise if he could fight more regular. Anyway we'll see him next week. No doubt he'll call out Mitchell anyway.
Back off to watch Herbie Hide beat these bums up. Looking a bit short of the old Hide though these days.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
skel1983
Quote:
Originally Posted by
paddy448
Quote:
Originally Posted by
skel1983
This fight will never happen imo.
Why do u reckon skel
I just think they are going in different paths, if it did happen it would be way down the line at least 2/3 years away, Khan is at 140 and now on HBO, Mitchell is trying to become a champion and establish himself at 135, I think a Mitchell Murray fight is more likely.
i see what u mean mate. if mitchell comes thru katsidis and khan gets thru malignaggi i can see it happening myself. it would be a blockbuster in england,and it should convince goldenboy and frank warren that the money is there. as long as the khan camp can get mitchell to move up to lww, i can see it happening, im sure golden boy would prefer that fight too a khan vs bradley/maidana fight
job biscuit (march on i can see it on the horizon)
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rjj tszyu
Although I hate to admit it I think Khan would take him. I'd be rooting for Mitchell all the way though and the weight class would be vital. LW Mitchell has a chance LWW no chance IMO.
unfortunately i think you're right. Khan is naturally bigger. if mitchell could turn it into a brawl though.....
I'd be screaming mitchell on that boy has grafted where as khan has been given it on a plate.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hornfinger
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rjj tszyu
Although I hate to admit it I think Khan would take him. I'd be rooting for Mitchell all the way though and the weight class would be vital. LW Mitchell has a chance LWW no chance IMO.
unfortunately i think you're right. Khan is naturally bigger. if mitchell could turn it into a brawl though.....
I'd be screaming mitchell on that boy has grafted where as khan has been given it on a plate.
To be fair to Khan though he must have done some graft in the ams to make the Olympic team. That made him a big name overnight before he even turned pro and then he has taken on relatively easy opposition and become a world champ against someone who has to be regarded as a weak champion and his first defence was against a weak challenger. Paulie is the best he has fought, he just doesn't have the power to worry Khan so again it's an easy route fight IMO.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Mitchell has also had a lot of injurys which have set him back a year or two, Paulie has al so had a dig at Mitchell for calling him weak check this out..
Paulie Malignaggi Attacks Kevin Mitchell Over Khan Jab
Posted by: Mark Vester on 04-30-2010.
>>>Click Here For Tons of More Breaking Boxing News, Articles and Insider Information<<<
By Mark Vester
Junior welterweight Paulie Malignaggi has shredded Kevin Mitchell over some earlier verbal jabs that were directed at WBA champion Amir Khan. Mitchell, speaking with BBC Sport , had some very critical words about Khan's selection of opponent for his American debut on May 15.
Mitchell said Amir ducked away from the challenge of fighting his mandatory, Marcos Maidana, and instead agreed to fight an opponent who was easier. Mitchell returns to action on the same day in the UK, and takes on former champion Michael Katsidis.
"He took Paulie Malignaggi instead of taking on his number one mandatory [Marcos Maidana], so I think the Americans know the score as well. It's been proven, anyone who can half-punch, Khan's vulnerable against and Maidana can proper punch, which is why they are keeping away from him," Mitchell said. "
"He's got an easier opponent than me, definitely - a non-puncher, someone who doesn't throw many, an old boy and someone who Ricky Hatton knocked out two years ago. I'm taking on a ferocious, come-forward puncher who's as angry as they come."
Malignaggi was quick to fire back. He blasted Mitchell and gave him a warning to keep his mouth shut.
"Kevin Mitchell wants to speak my name? You got something to say? Say it to my face. This is the only time, your going to be famous, when Paulie Malignaggi mentions your name. You’ve been cuddled more then Khan has man. Talking about your in a tougher fight, your fighting a human punching bag. If you can’t beat a punching bag, you might as well retire - because you suck!" - Malignaggi yelled off.
"So, watch your mouth chump, because wishes do come true....ask Amir Khan. But I make dreams turn into nightmares. So worry about your fight and Katsidis."
Very sensitive our Paulie ;D
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
skel1983
Mitchell has also had a lot of injurys which have set him back a year or two, Paulie has al so had a dig at Mitchell for calling him weak check this out..
Paulie Malignaggi Attacks Kevin Mitchell Over Khan Jab
Posted by: Mark Vester on 04-30-2010.
>>>Click Here For Tons of More Breaking Boxing News, Articles and Insider Information<<<
By Mark Vester
Junior welterweight Paulie Malignaggi has shredded Kevin Mitchell over some earlier verbal jabs that were directed at WBA champion Amir Khan. Mitchell, speaking with BBC Sport , had some very critical words about Khan's selection of opponent for his American debut on May 15.
Mitchell said Amir ducked away from the challenge of fighting his mandatory, Marcos Maidana, and instead agreed to fight an opponent who was easier. Mitchell returns to action on the same day in the UK, and takes on former champion Michael Katsidis.
"He took Paulie Malignaggi instead of taking on his number one mandatory [Marcos Maidana], so I think the Americans know the score as well. It's been proven, anyone who can half-punch, Khan's vulnerable against and Maidana can proper punch, which is why they are keeping away from him," Mitchell said. "
"He's got an easier opponent than me, definitely - a non-puncher, someone who doesn't throw many, an old boy and someone who Ricky Hatton knocked out two years ago. I'm taking on a ferocious, come-forward puncher who's as angry as they come."
Malignaggi was quick to fire back. He blasted Mitchell and gave him a warning to keep his mouth shut.
"Kevin Mitchell wants to speak my name? You got something to say? Say it to my face. This is the only time, your going to be famous, when Paulie Malignaggi mentions your name. You’ve been cuddled more then Khan has man. Talking about your in a tougher fight, your fighting a human punching bag. If you can’t beat a punching bag, you might as well retire - because you suck!" - Malignaggi yelled off.
"So, watch your mouth chump, because wishes do come true....ask Amir Khan. But I make dreams turn into nightmares. So worry about your fight and Katsidis."
Very sensitive our Paulie ;D
The real shame for Paulie is he has NO power, but that is what is starting to make him a laughing stock in the boxing world.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Five KOs in 30 fights is pretty pitiful, let's be honest. I pointed it out to him yesterday and I think that is why he called me a faggot. Obviously hit a nerve.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rjj tszyu
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hornfinger
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rjj tszyu
Although I hate to admit it I think Khan would take him. I'd be rooting for Mitchell all the way though and the weight class would be vital. LW Mitchell has a chance LWW no chance IMO.
unfortunately i think you're right. Khan is naturally bigger. if mitchell could turn it into a brawl though.....
I'd be screaming mitchell on that boy has grafted where as khan has been given it on a plate.
To be fair to Khan though he must have done some graft in the ams to make the Olympic team. That made him a big name overnight before he even turned pro and then he has taken on relatively easy opposition and become a world champ against someone who has to be regarded as a weak champion and his first defence was against a weak challenger. Paulie is the best he has fought, he just doesn't have the power to worry Khan so again it's an easy route fight IMO.
Of course khan grafted in the ams, my old coach used to train him and there was a pic of him aged 15 or 16 with the british team hanging in the gym. But I think we're all in agreement that despit prescott, khan has been wrapped in cotton wool and been handed everything on a plate as a pro.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hornfinger
[
Of course khan grafted in the ams, my old coach used to train him and there was a pic of him aged 15 or 16 with the british team hanging in the gym. But I think we're all in agreement that despit prescott, khan has been wrapped in cotton wool and been handed everything on a plate as a pro.
Definitely.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hornfinger
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rjj tszyu
Although I hate to admit it I think Khan would take him. I'd be rooting for Mitchell all the way though and the weight class would be vital. LW Mitchell has a chance LWW no chance IMO.
unfortunately i think you're right. Khan is naturally bigger. if mitchell could turn it into a brawl though.....
I'd be screaming mitchell on that boy has grafted where as khan has been given it on a plate.
Yeah but that's because Mitchell didn't win a silver medal at the Olympics, as the countries sole representative when he was just 17 years old.
Mitchell has also been matched with opponents who he should comfortably beat right up until the Katsidis fight.
Re: Khan and Mitchell have words....
I disagree johannsen was always going to be a hard fight for him.