UK Boxing: Kevin Mitchell; Booth vs. Dean; Tony Jeffries

Red-hot talent Kevin Mitchell is confident of getting a world title shot – but knows he could miss out if he doesn’t perform on July 18. The Dagenham Destroyer is closing in on a crack at WBO World super-featherweight world champion Roman Martinez. But first he has to come through an eight rounder on the undercard of Amir Khan’s WBA World Light-Welterweight title challenge against Andreas Kotelnik on July 18 at the M.E.N Arena. It will given unbeaten Mitchell an opportunity to spend more time in the ring following a year-long absence with a hand injury..

The 24-year-old British champion returned to action in May, winning comfortably at York Hall.

And now his sights are firmly set on fulfilling his childhood ambitions and becoming a world champion.

“I used to go to bed at night and dream about lifting a world title,” said Mitchell. “It’s so close now I can touch it.

“But instead of dreams, I now have nightmares about missing out on my big chance before I even get it.

“Losing in an eight rounder would be an absolute disaster for me, and the thought of it makes me get up in the morning and do my road work at 6am and train harder than ever before.”

Mitchell was ringside when Martinez captured the title against Nicky Cook, Mitchell’s gym-mate, in Manchester in March.

And he’s vowing to avenge that defeat on behalf of his close friend.

“I know Nicky is desperate for another world title fight,” said Mitchell. “But the next best thing for him would be me beating Martinez.

“Nine times out of 10, Nicky would have done a job on him, but he just got a bit careless and got caught.

“It shows how dangerous Martinez can be, and if I do get to fight him I will have to be on my guard.

Booth vs. Dean Headlines Massive Fight Card

Jason Booth makes the maiden defense of his British super bantam title against challenger Rocky Dean tonight at York Hall, headlining a huge Frank Maloney Promotions fight card.

The Nottingham native will once again attempt to pick the pocket of a larger opponent as Booth, 32-5 (13), rides a five bout win streak into the bout with rugged former British title challenger Dean, 14-10-2 (4).

Chief support on the bill is provided by a British featherweight title eliminator between undefeated Akaash Bhatia, 14-0 (5), and former amateur star Jamie Arthur, 14-2 (4), in a true crossroads clash.

High flying Beijing Olympic bronze medallist Darren Sutherland, 3-0 (3), will look for his fourth victory as a pro as the Dublin super middle meets gritty Ukrainian Gennadiy Rasalev, 2-1 (1).

Flyweight Ashley Sexton, 6-0 (3), continues his busy career as the flashy toreador makes his seventh appearance in less than a year’s time when he faces off with durable Serbian Kemal Plavci, 4-27 (1).

Former British bantamweight champion Martin Power, 19-4 (8), launches his comeback against seasoned lightweight Sid Razak, 3-27 (1), while promising heavyweight Tom Dallas, 5-0 (3), squares off against Stas Belokon, 3-1 (1).

It’s a battle of the Baltics as Lithuanian light middleweight spoiler Tomas Grublys, 3-0 (2), looks to keep the ball rolling against Latvia’s Alex Spitko, 6-13 (4), and popular lightweight prospect Liam Shinkwin, 2-0 (0), continues his matriculation in a contest against Ibrar Riyaz, 3-5 (1).

A trio of light welterweights making their professional debuts rounds out the card as Martin Welsh, Mene Edwards and Ryan Evans will compete for the first time as professionals.

Frank Maloney Promotions presents “Back From The Brink”, the Super Bantamweight Championship of Britain between reigning titlist Jason Booth and challenger Rocky Dean with full undercard at York Hall in London, England on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

Tickets are on sale at £30and £80 and are available from the Box Office 0871 226 1508. To obtain a discount on all ticket prices buy from www.frankmaloney.com.

Sky Sports will broadcast live on SS2 starting at 9:30PM.

JAFFA’S A 50 GRAND SMASH

TONY JEFFRIES has raised more £50,000 for charity since returning home from last summer’s Olympics with a treasured bronze medal.

His fantastic efforts have led to calls for the Sunderland hero to be recognised in the New Year honours list.

Jeffries’ popularity is soaring and the might Mackem’s third professional contest in his home city at Seaham Centre on July 10 is close to a complete sell-out.

The 24-year-old’s latest charity efforts was at Bridges shopping centre last weekend when he raised another five figure sum, with the benefactor, Grace House hospice appeal.

Jeffries performed a public workout with trainer Bobby Rimmer and then spent three hours signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Promoter Frank Maloney said: “”When honours are given out for charity work, Tony deserves some sort of accolade. The time he puts in helping various charities is incredible

“He doesn’t just turn up sign a few pictures and go home. He is active in organising events like white collar box evenings.”

In a special attraction on the bill Jeffries possible future opponent and fellow Olympic bronze medallist Darren Sutherland aims to show his awesome potential.

Maloney will name the super-middleweight duo’s opponents later this week.

In the Sunderland bill topper Bristol southpaw Lee Haskins (18-2) defends his British super-flyweight title against Sheffield’s serving soldier Ross Burkinshaw (6-1-2).

The cream of boxing talent in the north-east will also box on the card including local heavyweights Dave Ferguson and Danny Hughes. Newcastle’s fighting brothers John Lewis Dickinson and Travis Dickinson are also in action.

For those of you who can’t get hold tickets when the show is sold-out, you can watch all the action live and exclusive on Sky Sports

There are a few tickets priced £80 and £40 left. You can get yours from 0871 226 1508, www.frankmaloney.com and Phil Jeffries 0191 564 0202

“But I feel really strong now, and after an operation on my hand I’m punching harder than ever before and I’m ready to win that world title in style.”