Kevin Mitchell (right) battles it out with Michael Katsidis at Upton Park two years ago now his return to the venue has been scuppered Pic: Steve Bacon

The bubble bursts for Mitchell as his Upton Park dream fades and dies

Len Whaley
Thursday, June 21, 2012
12:00 PM

While the big build up continues for the David Haye v Dereck Chisora showdown at West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground on July 14, world title contender Kevin Mitchell must be tempted to sing the line from the famous Upton Park ‘Bubbles’ anthem – “Just like my dreams they fade and die.”

For Mitchell, based at Canning Town’s TKO Gym, was due to be the star on the big summer show at Upton Park in a world title clash against top Scot Ricky Burns – but now he’s not even on the bill.

Before Haye v Chisora was even mentioned, the ‘Battle of Britain’ clash was being built up between champion Burns and challenger Mitchell, out to erase the memories of his lone pro defeat – the world title stoppage at the hands of Aussie Michael Katsidis at Upton Park two years ago.

Even after the heavyweight meeting was announced, Burns v Mitchell was predicted as a special attraction on the bonanza bill – but there is still no sign of the clash as the other main fights on the night have already been announced.

“I’ve been in the gym training for two months for this fight but it seems he just doesn’t want to defend the title against me at Upton Park,” sighs Mitchell, who has suffered just that single defeat in 34 pro contests.

“I will give him until September to agree to fight me. I’ll even go up to Scotland and beat him before his own fans, but if it is not signed I’ll look for another world title fight.”

Meanwhile, the Upton Park show featuring the highly anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown between Haye and Chisora goes on under the banner of the Luxembourg Federation.

It looks to be a real money spinner with the promoters predicting a 40,000 sell-out on the night, and also being screened live on the BoxNation TV channel.

British stars Matthew Hall and Liam Walsh also appear on the bill, promoted by BoxNation in association with Sauerland Events and Hayemaker Boxing, which also features Alexander Povetkin defending his WBA world heavyweight title against Hasim Rahman.