Going into the 10th round, no one would be criticized for believing Kevin Mitchell held a considerable lead over Jorge Linares. Our feeling was the same. Mitchell’s smarts, patience, effective arsenal – and a 5th round knockdown – gave him an 88-82 lead here at BoxingBase.com.
But then in the 10th, Mitchell’s world title dreams came crashing down in the most violent of ways. Despite fighting an intelligent, highly-focused fight, his dangerous opponent Linares managed to find that opportune moment.
And for Mitchell, Linares’ straight-right couldn’t have landed in a worse place: an already worsening cut (inflicted from an early-round accidental head butt). The shot staggered Britain’s Mitchell, 30, which immediately signaled for Linares, 29, to jump all over him.
And that Linares did. Mitchell bravely weathered a seemingly infinite number of flurrying punches which caused his damaged eye to balloon into cartoonish proportions. But Mitchell wasn’t done.
The Brit wasn’t about to go down without swinging. He landed a clean left-hook on Linares – but, it wasn’t quite enough to deter his foe. Linares found Mitchell with several punches once again, finally leaving the Brit no choice but to take a knee.
Mitchell was hurt. And his face contained one of the worst eye injuries seen in recent times. Referee Victor Loughlin didn’t hesitate to stop the contest – and we’re glad he did. It tugged on the heart strings to see Mitchell fall following such a performance, but things could have turned for the worst had this bout continued.
This is possibly one the best performances of Mitchell’s career, but it was Linares who also deserves much praise for capturing victory in emphatic fashion. Linares showed great patience in this WBC Lightweight title defense which supported the Brook vs Gavin headliner at the O2 Arena, London.
Linares is a solid, snarling fighter who carries great fundamentals and venom in his punches. Analysts were right to brand Mitchell vs Linares one of the most competitive fights of the ‘Rule Britannia’ card. Both men were quality operators and produced one of the most memorable British bouts for fight fans watching. Big respect, fellas.
Linares will of course go on to bigger things in the sport following this defense, targeting the top names of the division. As for Mitchell, he is far from done in the sport. Following a performance like this – and some time to heal – he will no doubt be offered another world title shot by promoter Matchroom Boxing.
Mitchell vs Linares was a tale of two warriors, dramatic action and hometown heart break. We thank them for an epic battle.
Linares now climbs to 39-3, 26 knockouts, while Mitchell falls to 39-3, 29 knockouts.
The stacked Brook vs Gavin card also featured action from many more of Britain’s best fighters. Nick Blackwell stopped John Ryder in the 8th round of a leather-flying British Middleweight clash. Lee Selby played matador to great effective in his bout with Evgeny Gradovich to capture the IBF Featherweight title via 8th round Technical Decison. Anthony Joshua stopped veteran Kevin Johnson in the 2nd round. And Kell Brook stopped Frankie Gavin in the 6th round. See all ‘Rule Britannia’ boxing results.
Mitchell vs Linares: Round by Round
Round 1
Very hard round to score, but good scoring blows from both men. This could shape into an intriguing fight. Mitchell pinches round, 10-9
Round 2
Competitive action, but Linares begins to unload with some heavy shots in the closing seconds to take the round. Linares, 10-9 (19-19)
Round 3
Some good work from Mitchell, and tasty left-hooks. Chess-match round, but Brit nicks it. Mitchell, 10-9 (29-28)
Round 4
Both men cut from accidental head butts. Mitchell unleashed a flurry of hard shots on Linares to take the round. Mitchell, 10-9 (39-37)
Round 5
Mitchell drops Linares but fails to take out his foe. Still, quality stuff from the Brit. Mitchell, 10-8 (49-45)
Round 6
Mitchell bags another round, putting in the more quality work. Nice combinations, and letting punches flow well now. Mitchell, 10-9 (59-54)
Round 7
Linares showcases some flashy shots in the closing seconds, but Mitchell is out-boxing the champion. Mitchell, 10-9 (69-63)
Round 8
Mitchell took the most shots of whole night here. Cut from earlier rounds (accidental headbutt) is looking nasty, as is Mitchell’s nose. Linares, 10-9 (78-73)
Round 9
Mitchell slowed down considerably here, perhaps due to pain from worsening cut and pace of the fight. He nonetheless edges the round. Mitchell, 10-9 (88-82)
Round 10
Mitchell rocked by big Linares straight-right, and then endures huge flurry. He valiantly fights back but is overwhelmed by Linares. Mitchell is dropped/takes a knee, wearing a grotesque, bulbous eye injury. The referee waves off contest immediately.
Result: Linares beats Mitchell via 10th round TKO
BoxingBase.com Scorecard: 88-82, Mitchell
What did you think of Mitchell vs Linares and the huge ‘Rule Britannia’ fight card? Fire away in the comments, fight fans!
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