Mitchell-Katsidis/Khan-Powderpuff - who wins? (Poll)

[skel1983]

Looks like Mitchell and Tibbs are blaming a bad training camp, I wouldn't be suprised if this is true, I didn't think Mitchell looked in that greater shape at the weigh in, add to that he had to strip to make weight, I don't think it would of made a difference I don't think he is in Katsidis class, Frank seems to be fuming!!

Kevin Mitchell loses WBO interim lightweight title fight with Michael Katsidis after third round stoppage | Mail Online

[OumaFan]

Built in excuse possibly? Reason I think that was he looked a bit intimidated.

I've got Campbell and Khan.

[paddy448]

Looks like Mitchell and Tibbs are blaming a bad training camp, I wouldn't be suprised if this is true, I didn't think Mitchell looked in that greater shape at the weigh in, add to that he had to strip to make weight, I don't think it would of made a difference I don't think he is in Katsidis class, Frank seems to be fuming!!

Kevin Mitchell loses WBO interim lightweight title fight with Michael Katsidis after third round stoppage | Mail Online

i just think katsidis is a class above man, there bound to say they had a bad camp now they lost, in the build up they said training couldnt of gone better
. ive always respected katsidis, but tonight he went up a notch in my book, not just for his performance but the way he handled himself in the post fight interview, a classy guy indeed.

[skel1983]

Here is more from Warrens site.

Kevin Mitchell blamed a disrupted training camp for his third round loss against Michael Katsidis in a WBO interim lightweight title challenge at Upton Park.

In a bizarre press conference, Mitchell initially offered no excuses for his stoppage defeat, praising Katsidis for the way he'd fought.

But when Katsidis attributed his performance to a near-perfect training camp, Mitchell's trainer Jimmy Tibbs hinted that all had not run smoothly for the challenger.

Mitchell then revealed that he'd had domestic problems - as well as a few too many late nights - in the weeks leading up to the fight.

It all appeared news to a surprised, and not best pleased, promoter Frank Warren.

"Hopefully the defeat will give me a kick up the backside," said Mitchell. "It's made me realise that you have to be 100% dedicated in this sport.

"I was in shape but I've had family problems, sometimes I was at my mum's, sometimes I was back at my flat.

"I didn't prepare for this fight like I did for Breidis Prescott, but I don't want to take anything away from Katsidis."

Tibbs added: "I believe Kevin can do something at world level if he is committed. In this sport it's all about preparation."

Warren, who had bankrolled an event that saw a huge crowd at West Ham, said: "It really pisses me off when I hear this.

"If he doesn't play the game, don't waste my time. Kevin now has to really learn from this; if he wants to be a world champion and play the game, I'm the person to help him. But can he come back? I think he can."

Mitchell will now spend the summer out of the ring, before coming back in October or November.

As for the fight itself, he said the shot he was caught with early in the third had affected his balance.

"It was a good shot, my balance went, my eyes went funny, and even after the fight was stopped I wasn't right," he said. "I thought in the second round I boxed really well, exactly what we'd planned on doing.

"But in the third round I went backwards in a straight line, exactly what we'd worked on not doing in training. I made a mistake and I paid the price and I have got no problem with the stoppage."

Warren said: "We thought all along that Kevin couldn't stand and trade with Katsidis. That was going to be dangerous and it turned out that way.

"You've got to look at a guy like Amir Khan, who got beaten in a round, to realise a defeat doesn't end a career. Kevin's isn't over, but it won't be a long one if he carries on fighting like that and doesn't learn from his mistakes."

One silver lining on a bad night for Warren is that Katsidis is a free agent - and keen to fight again in England.

"I love it here," said the champion. "I fought here three years ago but I don't want to leave it that long again.

"The fans here are really passionate. I don't care if they boo me because they are here to support a sport I love.

"I'd love to fight here again. I feel like I'm still improving, and I'm a better fighter than when I came here to face Graham Earl."

[Gandalf]

Good on Katsidis for getting the win. I like the guy and he's rarely in a dull fight.