Kevin Mitchell cut will not bother him, says Johnny Nelson
Tuesday 26 May 2015 15:04, UK
Johnny Nelson has played down concern over a small cut on Kevin Mitchell's nose ahead of Saturday's WBC world lightweight title clash with Jorge Linares at the O2 Arena.
The 30-year-old takes his third shot at becoming world champion in front of his home fans in London on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Nelson believes his bid will not be affected by a slight laceration on the bridge of his nose, sustained during a sparring session at his Texas camp in America.
Mitchell was moving beautifully during a public workout in Covent Garden on Tuesday and Nelson has faith the West Ham fan can play his part on what could prove one of the most famous nights for British boxing.
While watching Mitchell being put through his paces by trainer Tony Sims as the crowds gathered in the lunchtime sun, Nelson told Sky Sports News HQ: "If you look at Kevin, he's got a little cut on the bridge of his nose. I asked him earlier what it was and he said he got that in Texas during sparring. He had a head guard on and it's nothing too bad.
"He said he had great sparring out there and a little shot go through the head guard and cut the skin on his nose. As long as he's not concerned about it, I don't think we should be, but as a fighter that's what I'd aim for.
"I just think for Kevin in a gym like that, he wants to be the jewel in the crown. It's another bit of motivation and another bit of fire in his belly.
"Inside the boxing circles, some say this is the loss we are going to have [of the Brits fighting for a world title on Saturday] but I don't think so. I think when Mitchell is in love with the game, when he's on fire and with his talent, he's outstanding.
"This is down the road from his house. The records look similar on paper until you look at the achievements of Linares and that's where Mitchell has to graduate.
As long as he's not concerned about it, I don't think we should be.
"He said he's brought the firm down here. His mum, his wife and kids are here and that shows he feels confident. He wants them to be part of it. You don't do that if you think you're going to lose - you keep your family and friends well away! He's got them close and he wants them to see.
"It's all character building. We all have to go through experiences good and bad and that's what Kevin has done to get to this stage in his career. Remember it's not just about winning the world title - it's about keeping it and boxing on from it.
"It's some people's dream just to win a world title and they can't motivate themselves after that."
A star-littered card also includes Kell Brook defending his world title against Frankie Gavin, Lee Selby bidding to take Evgeny Gradovich's world title and Anthony Joshua facing his toughest test yet in Kevin Johnson - plus more support.
Watch Linares v Mitchell live and exclusive as part of Brook v Gavin, on Sky Sports Box Office on May 30, with Joshua and Selby also on. Book via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote. skysports.com/brookgavin
