Mexican no match for Mitchell

Last Updated: October 6, 2013 12:16am

Kevin Mitchell lands a punch at the O2 Arena (Picture courtesy of Lawrence Lustig)Kevin Mitchell continued his comeback following his defeat to Ricky Burns last year with a sixth-round stoppage of Marco Lopez – paving the way for a domestic dust-up with Derry Mathews.

West Ham fan Mitchell produced some hammer blows as he easily took care of a Mexican opponent who while brave, didn’t ever look capable of causing too many problems.

“I’m fighting regularly and I’m in the gym keeping busy. I’m enjoying it, I’m happy again.”
Kevin Mitchell

Lopez did, however, show he is nothing if not durable, taking some considerable punishment as he twice picked himself up off the canvas.

The 26-year-old looked to be in serious trouble in the closing seconds of the fourth round, a left hand under the ribs causing him to grimace and take a knee after a delayed reaction to the punch.

Yet the South American showed his staying power by coming out at the start of the fifth and throwing plenty of leather, though the majority of his blows only made contact with fresh air.

Mitchell, in contrast, was much more clinical. At some stages it seemed like target practice, and his left – whether it be with an uppercut, a hook or a body shot, seemingly couldn’t miss.

It was one such blow straight down the middle that bloodied Lopez’s nose and a flurry to follow resulted in another knockdown. Again the brave away fighter beat the count, only this time the referee decided to spare him any further punishment.

“I’m getting back to my old ways,” Mitchell told Sky Sports afterwards. “I’m fighting regularly and I’m in the gym keeping busy. I’m enjoying it, I’m happy again.”

Next up for the former world title challenger, who has only lost to Burns and Michael Katsidis in his 25-fight career, could be a clash with fellow Brit Mathews, who currently holds the Commonwealth lightweight title.

“It would be a nice little dance in the park, wouldn’t it?” He replied when asked about Mathews. “There are some good fights out there domestically.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes a deal can be done for the fight to take place before the year is out, adding: “”Derry Mathews is the one we want – I know Derry loves a fight. I think we will try and make that for December.”

Anthony Joshua marked his professional debut with an explosive knockout win over Emanuele Leo in the first round.

Scott Quigg retained his WBA super-bantamweight title with a majority draw against Yoandris Salinas.

Lee Selby claimed outright ownership of the Lonsdale belt after securing a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Walsh.

Spencer Oliver says Anthony Joshua is a world champion in waiting after his win over Emanuele Leo.

Nottingham fighter Leigh Wood is hoping he will have two reasons to celebrate next year.

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Mexican no match for Mitchell