This is an easy day at the office for Brian vs. El Asparagus. First off, while I think of Antonio as a tall, long and angular guy … there’s only an inch in height and reach (both in Esparragoza’s favor. And even at that he’s not a guy who controlled range at all, just a wade-in slugger who was always there to be hit. Secondly, Mitchell’s a solid career 130-pounder while the Venezuelan was a feather. That doesn’t seem like a gap but Mitchell was hardly a weakling and he’s far too sturdy at the higher weight to be too bothered by the smaller guy. Sure, he needs to make sure he’s not careless, but there’s no evidence of carelessness on Brian’s record. Finally, Mitchell was world-tested for a longer period of time vs a higher caliber of competition … and after winning the title all on the road in I think 15 world title fights. Esparragoza lost to a pretty bang-average guy at the end and it wasn’t like he was an old man fighting on past prime. Everything here comes up for the South African technician using his skill to beat out a pretty wide decision with a chance for a late stoppage of the naturally smaller man.
Couldn't have said it better. Mitchell is a bit too cute and resourceful with a longer track record at the top. And for those that think Esparragoza had too much pop, Mitchell's power was underrated and his chin was pure anvil.
There’s absolutely nothing flashy about Brian Mitchell but I could watch him all day. A pure technician who stayed at the top of his game for a long time. Able to adjust to whatever style and make iIn-fight adjustments. And, as you noted, you couldn’t hurt him and he could hurt you. I wish more of his bouts were available on YouTube. Hopefully some day. Also of note, his mustache was absolutely splendid. Not even Kallie Knoetze or the rest of the SA heavyweights could outdo him in this department.
I love watching Mitchell and it was not until I got his career and watched his bouts that I realized what an absolute mechanic he was in the ring. Fight requires him to stick and move? No problem he does it. Fight requires him to fight more in the pocket? No problem he does it. Fight requires him to pressure his opponent? No problem he does it.
Yeah, definition of a technician. People who think stylists at distance are technicians make me feel sad.
Great to hear all this appreciation for Brian. Saw him for the 1st time beating undefeated Jim McDonnell the undefeated EBU champ. McDonnell would derail McGuigan´s comeback six months later and gave Azumah Nelson a heroic challenge (even winning on 1 card) before being viciously stopped in the last round. Mitchell beat McDonnell with ease and I think he would have outpointed Azumah had they met. This content is protected
I had never seen him during his career but I eventually bought videos of, I think, 3 or 4 of his fights. Your assessment is spot on. He was very solid at everything, didn't excel at anything, just a good, true professional boxer.
While he didn’t excel at anything, he likewise seemed to have no weaknesses to exploit. Like if I was scouting him for someone who was going to face him, I wouldn’t have a starting point to say ‘ok, there’s a crack in his game here that we can do something with.’ I think you’d need a multi-part game plan to have much of a chance because he adjusts so well. One thing does stand out to me is that he’s a master at controlling pace and distance. He sets the pace and makes the other guy fight it, and he stays at this kind of ‘just in or out of midrange’ area — one way he does that is to end combinations with a jab quite often to keep the guy where he wants him. I’ve seen him do that in multiple fights.
Mitchell by decision in a fast paced high punch output fight. The thing with Mitchell was that although he wasn’t the fastest or most powerful puncher he was a versatile technician with great ring IQ, was great mid range or up close, and almost always seemed in control for the majority of the fight. Also helps that he was not easy to hit and still threw a lot. Esparragoza would have a hard time keeping Mitchell off him and maintaining momentum once he realizes that his power won’t deter Mitchell. Most likely goes the distance with Mitchell winning 8-4.
The awesome mustache of John L Sullivan, Aaron Pryor, Michael Spinks, Danny Lopez, Orlando Canizales, and Orzubek Naazarov might give him a run for his money.
