Kevin Mitchell believes he will finally win a world title after beating Daniel Estrada
Trainer Sims and promoter Hearn believes it will happen
Sunday 1 February 2015 11:56, UK
Kevin Mitchell believes he will finally become a world champion after stopping Daniel Estrada on Saturday.
I’ve got to deliver the shot for Kevin Mitchell because I believe he can win a world title and on that performance I think he can beat any lightweight in the world.
The Londoner delivered one of his finest performances to stop Estrada in eight rounds at the O2 Arena and book a WBC lightweight title shot against Jorge Linares.
Mitchell, who has lost a previous world title fight and had a another taken away after violating weigh regulations on the day of his win over Ghislain Maduma in May, believes he is finally ready for the gold.
"I will win it," he told Sky Sports.
"I’m 30 years of age now and I’m maturing as a person. This year we’re going to do it. Look at all my career fights and look at how I just performed.
"I can feel it in there. If I can feel it you must be able to see it. It means my life, for my kids, it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of since the age of 10."
Devastated
Promoter Eddie Hearn insisted it is his job to aid Mitchell's dream opportunity.
"He’s the No 1 challenger to Jorge Linares and we want that shot," he said. "He’s such a class act, there’s not many lightweights in the world that can compete with him.
"I’d be devastated if we didn’t see him lift the world title. He’s such a great grafter. Since he’s joined up with us I’ve not seen anything but 100 percent discipline.
"I’ve got to deliver the shot for Kevin Mitchell because I believe he can win a world title and on that performance I think he can beat any lightweight in the world."
Mitchell's trainer Tony Sims agreed that the East London fighter has turned his life and career around.
The fighter's issues have been well-documeneted in the past but the man behind him believes this time, against Linares, he can fulfil a lifelong dream and become a world champion.
"He’s had problems throughout his career, ups and downs," he said.
"When he got beaten, he obviously wasn’t in shape and that was down to him but he’s back in love with the sport.
"He’s a great fighter, definitely world title material, I’ve told him all along that all he’s got to do is get in shape and work hard in the gym. He proved it tonight that he’s different class."
