Kevin Mitchell stormed into the mandatory position for Jorge Linares’ WBC lightweight title tonight with a sensational 8 round demolition of Daniel Estrada.
From the first punch until the last Mitchell, now 39-2 (29KO’s), was punch perfect as he completely dismantled a credible opponent in a career best showing.
Estrada, who now moves to 32-4 (24KO’s), looked surprised from the first exchange in the face of the superior speed of thought and movement from the Londoner who beat the Mexican to the punch on every occasion. Mitchell a standout victor of the first round accentuated the point landing flush with his lead left uppercut, the punch that would define the fight.
Mitchell maintained his classy form going into second round, his combination punching controlling Estrada, who tried to raise his work rate to no avail. By the third the Dagenham man was in complete control and dropped the former World title challenger with a jolting right hand, which landed him on the seat of his pants.
Estrada weathered a considerable storm to survive but looked bewildered and it showed through rounds four to seven. Mitchell proceeded to break the Mexican’s will and above all heart. He had nothing left as the bell rang to end the 7th stanza and the end was nigh.
Referee Ian John Lewis had no option but to stop the contest 1:12 into the 8th round following a brutal Mitchell assault that left Estrada with a look of a man who had been attacked by a gang, such was the variety and ferocity of Mitchell’s punching, I wouldn’t be surprised if he thought that was the case.
This was Kevin Mitchell at the best we have ever seen him, times two. In this form, he really is a match for anyone in the division, especially given Terence Crawford has now moved on.
He will be rewarded with a WBC World title shot in his next outing, should the negotiations go as planned. On this showing you would be a fool to back against him winning it, the real Kevin Mitchell stood up tonight and it was great to see.
