Brian Mitchell

Saintpat · Jan 28, 2012

On a technical note, one thing I really liked about him was his ability to control distance.

He often did this by ending most every combo with a jab -- especially a 1-2-1 -- so that the last punch put his opponent back at arm's length. Most aggressive boxers end up right on top of the opponent when they come forward, but Brian Mitchell had a very crafty way of being aggressive while never seeming to crowd himself.

WhataRock · Jan 28, 2012

Just another indication of under appreciated this guy was..I came across a list of 100 Great South Africans that the national broadcaster put together a few years back...despite a slew of sportsman making the list such as another boxer Baby Jake and that lowlife cheat cricketer Hansie Cronjie..and even a 2 million year old skull...Brian didn't get a mention.

Russell · May 5, 2012

Bump for a very good thread

Anyone else have any thoughts on the man?

Mr Butt · May 5, 2012

fists of fury said: ↑

Mitchell was...pretty darn good. He had his limitations though.

I think he suffers a little because his fights were barely ever screened in the US, and he often fought in front of smallish crowds in Europe against fighters of little name recognition.

One thing he did which I don't think has ever been replicated in boxing history by anyone is that every single one of his championship fights were fought away from home - every single one, and often in the other guy's back yard to boot. That takes some balls. The reason was because the WBA refused to let him defend the title at home, because of SA's apartheid regime at the time.
Thus, he earned the nickname the "road warrior."

Mitchell as a fighter was an aggressive boxer that liked to press the action. He had fairly quick hands, a decent but not great punch in either hand, he went to the body very well, his work rate was excellent and he always showed up on fight night in absolutely perfect physical condition. I saw all his championship fights and a lot of his other fights as well, and I never saw him even slightly out of shape. He trained like a spartan and his flawless condition reflected that. He was well prepared to go 15 rounds, and he often seemed to get stronger as the fight progressed. On at least one occasion, Mitchell won on conditioning alone.

Other assets which he had was a really solid chin (decked only twice in his career and never seriously hurt) and the ability to adapt his style in the ring. It wasn't a major shift of anything, but he'd often subtly change aspects of his style to beat his opponent. That's why he was able to beat Tony Lopez the second time round, because he made subtle but telling changes to his style.
Probably his biggest asset was his confidence. He was a very, very confident fighter who always believed he would win. Even when met with hostile crowds and forced to train in dumps, his mindset never changed. In fact, the harder the opponent and the harder the circumstances, the better Mitchell liked it. He always met adversity well.

On the downside, he was a relatively slow starter. It often took him three or four rounds to really get into his stride. This was how he nearly lost his title in his first defence to Joe Rivera, because Brain had done very little in the first five rounds and got knocked down to boot, meaning he had a mountain to climb.

Although a decent enough puncher, he didn't really have knockout power, and relied on pressure and a steady barrage of leather to wear you down. This I feel would hurt him against some of the legends in this weight class.

Lastly, towards the end of his career, he tended to cut up pretty easily. That was a combination of scar tissue over the years and the headbutts of one Jackie Beard.

All in all, I'd say he was an excellent fighter, one that sadly most people on this board will not have seen.

As to your matchups:

Chavez:

This would be a war. Strong, aggressive pressure boxers never bothered Mitchell. In fact, he preferred fighting this type of opponent. Chavez was an exceptional fighter at this weight though...so it's hard to call as Mitchell never met anyone of Chavez's class. His style does suit Mitchell though, and Mitchell's conditioning, granite beard and work rate would serve him well.
It could go either way...I'd lean slightly towards Chavez, but Mitchell would be a very live underdog here. I would not be too surprised if he pulled off a win.
Chavez by tight decision over 12 in a fight of the year candidate.

Arguello:

Arguello power and accuracy would bother me in this one. Mitchell's beard would be thoroughly tested, although defensively Mitchell was pretty sharp and didn't get hit flush too often. The first half of the fight would belong to Arguello, with Mitchell coming back strongly later on. I think Arguello's power would be the big difference here though, and would prevent Mitchell from launching an all-out late assault.
Arguello by unanimous decision over 15.

Mayweather:

He's all wrong for Mitchell I'm afraid. Mitchell hated fighting the quick slicksters, and Mayweather had power at the weight too. Mitchell would have his moments, but ultimately Floyd is too quick, too slick and just too good.
Floyd comfortable UD over 12, or stoppage via cuts late.

Corrales:
Another fighter I would have steered Mitchell clear from, although overall I actually think Mitchell is a superior fighter. Diego's height would be a major factor, and his power would also test Mitchell's durability. If Brian could see out the first half of the fight, he will come on strong late and begin to make inroads, but it's a tricky fight to call. Can Michell deal with the height and power advantage Corrales has? Can Corrales deal with sustained pressure all through the fight?
I'd say: Corrales by SD over 12 or late stoppage due to cuts. Mitchell by decision over 15.

Pacquiao:

Of the lot, his style is most ideally suited for Mitchell. The one issue I have here though, is Pacs phenomenal conditioning and legendary toughness.
I think Mitchell would need to change tack here and not pressure Pac - a game Pac most likely will win at. MItchell would need to back off some and try to counter Pac, something he could do if required.
I think he could outsmart Pac if he chooses to box and counter, but it's tricky either way. I don't think Mitchell could beat Pac at his own game.
I've never seen Mitchell overwhelmed or overawed by an opponent, so I tentatively pick Mitchell by decision over 12, but admit bias does come into it a bit.

The one guy I would have loved to see Mitchell fight would be Azumah Nelson. It would be epic.

Edit:

In closing, I'd say that Mitchell would probably lose to most the greats in this weight class, but he had the unique ability to up his game against better opponents, so I would not bet too much against him, except against the likes of Mayweather.
Click to expand...

a good post but i would take Mitchell to beat corrales every time .
mitchell for me was a very intelligent fighter who was very good at finding a way to win and then fighting at a pace that suited his tactics for any particular opponent

Saintpat · May 5, 2012

Loved this guy, just a strong-minded guy who found ways to win.

I like that several people have noted his ability to adapt his style to find ways to be effective. It's a rare trait and one he had in abandance.

Truth is, he was mostly obscure during his title reign because a lot of challengers weren't household names (until Lopez). But this guy was an iceman -- fought on the road in hostile territories and never once let the environment get to him.

Boxing has made many, many great titleholders. There have been great super featherweight and heavyweight and middleweight and flyweight champions. But it seems to me there is no one I can think of who more deserved to be called WORLD champion.

fists of fury · May 7, 2012

In hindsight, I'd make him a firm favourite over Corrales as well.

There was a period in the early 90's, where Mitchell, Nelson, Fenech and Lopez could have had an epic series between themselves. Real pity it never happened.

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Brian Mitchell

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Brian Mitchell

Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

WhataRock Loyal Member Full Member

Russell Loyal Member Full Member

Mr Butt Boxing Junkie Full Member

Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member