By James Slater: Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, in speaking with Ringtv.com, says there is a good chance unbeaten heavyweight hope Seth Mitchell could fight again on the under-card of the April 28th rematch between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson.
Currently looked at as America’s most promising young heavyweight, 29-year-old “Mayhem,” 24-0-1(18) was last seen scoring a highly impressive 2nd-round stoppage over the tough and (usually) durable Timor Ibragimov. It’s great news indeed that Mitchell, as exciting as he is promising, is to be kept busy as he continues his way towards a hoped for shot at the world title (in a recent interview with Ringtv, Mitchell said he expects to be ready for the best in around two years or so).
But who should Mitchell fight next? In playing match-maker, I list here a few names that I would very much like to see the 6’2” approx 240-pounder in with in Atlantic City in April:
Michael Grant. Grant, 48-4(36) is big, powerful and experienced. Coming off stoppage wins over Tye Fields and, last time out, Frans Botha, the 39-year-old veteran would be a perfect test for Mitchell.
Franklin Lawrence. Lawrence, 17-2-2(12) is a dangerous fighter who is capable of asking most any fighter a few tough questions. A fringe contender, the 36-year-old has enjoyed some fine form recently (wins over Jason Estrada and Lance Whitaker) and he would give Mitchell a decent test.
Samuel Peter. Peter, 34-5(27) has been on the downside as of late (stoppage losses to Wladimir Klitschko, which was expected, and to Robert Helenuis last time out), yet “The Nigerian Nightmare” remains a hard puncher who can always be dangerous. If Mitchell were to take a shot or two from the 31-year-old and come on to win, we would have a better idea about how good “Mayhem’s” chin is.
Monte Barrett. Barrett, 35-9-2(20) is as experienced as they come, and the 40-year-old known as “Two Gunz” has recently given his career a shot in the arm by way of a points win over David Tua. Barrett is aiming higher than facing a prospect (Monte reportedly wants a shot at a Klitschko), but if the money were right, who knows, maybe Barrett would agree to face Mitchell? The young fighter would probably learn a few things if he fought Barrett.
Tyson Fury. This one is highly unlikely to happen seeing as how both heavies are young, promising talents. Still, Fury, 17-0(12) against Mitchell would certainly prove a huge hit with the fans (and Fury has no next fight planned as of yet). A risky fight for both, the winner would earn more fans, while the loser would be young enough to be able to come again.