By James Slater: Fans are buzzing about unbeaten 29-year-old heavyweight contender Seth Mitchell right now, so much so that at the recent Mayweather-Cotto fight, “Mayhem” was practically mobbed by fans and internet reporters. A genuine down to earth nice guy, the warrior from Brandywine was still showing signs of battle from his exciting three-round slugfest with Chazz Witherspoon (note the blackened right eye in the photo of Mitchell) – yet he is proud of his back-from-the-brink victory.
Happy to speak with just about anyone, Mitchell was mostly asked about who he will fight next. Seth told me that he will leave it up to his team, yet he agrees that Michael Grant’s name is in the frame.
Here, in no particular order, I list five fighters who I think would make great opponents for Mitchell, 25-0-1(19) in the coming months:
1: 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 the emerging Mitchell. Grant, a one-time world title challenger, actually looks the favourite to land a date with Mitchell; possibly as soon as June.
2: 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.
3: 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.
4: Magomed Abdusalamov. “Mago,” unbeaten at 14-0(14) has called out a number of fellow prospects/contenders, including Mitchell. This match-up would be a risky proposition for both fighters, yet the fans would pay to see it. Also, Mitchell-Abdusalamov would be a great under-card support to a big fight. How would “Mayhem” cope with the Russian slugger’s southpaw stance and raw power? How would Abdusalaov cope with Mitchell’s skills? I’d love to find out!
5: Tyson Fury. This one is unlikely to happen seeing as how both heavies are young, promising talents. Still, Fury, 18-0(13) against Mitchell would certainly prove a huge hit with the fans. A risky fight for both, the winner would earn more fans, while the loser would be young enough to be able to come again. Fury is still to have his U.S debut, it would be great if the managers of both fighters agreed to this match-up.