By James Slater: At one time it looked as though promising, exciting U.S heavyweight hope Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell would perhaps face the experienced Chazz Witherspoon on the under-card of Amir Khan-Lamont Peterson on Dec. 10th but now, according to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, it’s extremely likely the unbeaten 29-year-old with the 23-0-1(17) record will face Timur Ibragimov in his HBO debut.
According to Rafael, Richard Schaefer put forward a deal the Ibragimov camp accepted and all that is needed now is for HBO to approve the match-up. Reportedly, Schaefer expects no issues with this happening.
A good test for Mitchell, Ibragimov of Uzbekistan has never been stopped in compiling a 30-3-1(16) career and he has tangled with some top names in his time. A pro since 2000, the 36-year-old has been beaten only by Calvin Brock, Tony Thompson and, last time out, in December of last year, Jean Marc Mormeck (a split decision that many observers felt should have gone Ibragimov’s way). The 6’3.5,” approx 225-pounder has wins to his name over Timo Hoffman, Al “Ice” Cole and Oliver McCall. Not a huge puncher, Ibragimov is strong physically and he always comes to fight.
Mitchell may well find himself having the hardest fight of his still-developing pro career in December. Certainly, at the very least, Ibragimov promises to test Mitchell harder than Charles Davis, Evans Quinn and Hector Ferreyo did (Mitchell’s last three foes).
A distance fight looks likely in my opinion, but if “Mayhem” were to become the first man to halt Ibragimov he would make some statement. Not having fought for a full year, as will be the case come December, Ibragimov may be rusty and somewhat less than sharp in the early going. Will Mitchell, who can bang, look to jump right on his man, excited to make headlines in his HBO debut? Maybe, but I expect a more cautious start from the American. The second half of this one could prove very interesting.
Mitchell has yet to be taken past the 8th-round, and it is thus far unknown how his stamina will hold up in the Championship rounds. Ibragimov has gone ten or more rounds on nine occasions, and he may well be looking forward to another long night against Mitchell. Ibragimov may take Mitchell into the deep waters, and if he does we should get some answers to the question marks that are next to Mitchell – those regarding his chin and stamina especially.
An upset win for Ibragimov cannot be ruled out, but if Mitchell is as good as some good judges feel he is, he will rise to the occasion and get his 24th pro win. I’d be surprised if Ibragimov got stopped for the first time though.