Ismael Barroso vows to ruin Kevin Mitchell's world title plans
Thursday 10 December 2015 00:20, UK
Ismael Barroso has vowed to inflict a crushing knockout defeat on Kevin Mitchell in front of the Londoner's hometown fans.
The Venezuelan will take on Mitchell in a crucial interim WBA lightweight title fight this Saturday at the O2 Arena, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Mitchell can earn a clash with full champion Anthony Crolla if he claims victory in the capital, just a few months after his courageous stoppage defeat to WBC king Jorge Linares at the same venue.
But Barroso is not daunted by the prospect of facing the Dagenham favourite and plans to derail his career in explosive fashion.
"He is a very strong fighter, but he has not fought me," Barroso told World Boxing News. "I will be strong in every way.
"I will walk him down and throw many combinations. I will hit him with hard shots, and I will knock him out."
Southpaw Barroso is one of the danger men of the division, with 17 stoppages in his 18 wins, and promoter Greg Cohen is confident his man will secure a fight with Crolla.
"Ismael has been the strongest puncher at the weight for years and he's finally going to get his chance to become the world champion and feared slugger he was always destined to become," said Cohen.
"Kevin Mitchell is a good fighter but there's not a lightweight in the world who can keep from getting hit by Barroso even once and that's all it takes. We are very confident going into this one."
Watch Mitchell vs Barroso on Joshua vs Whyte, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office on December 12, now available to order via phone or online.
