I hesitate to rank him because he wasn't flooded with the best opposition a champ ever had but he was really an excellent fighter. Never got into the ring with a man that he wouldn't eventually defeat. Smart fighter, damn solid reign. I'm not sure there's even been a champion who fought away from his birth country and/or hometown country more when defending his title. If there is, I cannot think of one in my current condition. And since he wasn't a knockout artist, that means he was taking a lot of decisions away from home, too.
I think Mitchell was an all around good fighter not special at one particular thing but well rounded he had excellent counterpunching skills, i was impressed with Lopez II he won that fight convincingly after the first one being a draw. Mitchell-Casamayor would be intresting.
Mitchell is a wildcard pick at 130 because though he was extremely consistent, fundamentally solid, and excellently conditioned, I can't help but think he would loss decively to even guys like Rocky Lockridge or Boza-Edwards. To me, he's a slightly better Sammy Sarano.
I've posted this before, but Mitchell is one of my favorite fighters....I've tracked down all the available fights of his, and one word comes to mind with him...versatile. He could fight alot of different ways.......Jim Mcdonnel said Mitchell wasn't great at any certain aspect, yet good at alot and the cumulative effect was greatness........I would have him in the top 10 @ 130. :good
One of those fighters where the whole is better than the sum of the parts. A true championship fighter who found his way to victory every time out. Under-acknowleged.
