****Ricky Burns vs Kevin Mitchell: Build Up Thread****

Keys to Victory:

For the Challenger Kevin Mitchell

-Counterpunching: Burns has a habit especially early of pushing his punches i'm not sure if it's because of nerves or just a general habit but Mitchell has to start early and landed aggressive counters. A little like Martinez who floored Burns backing up in straight line Mitchell will need to display some of his classy punches in order to gain respect and knock Burns out of usual stride. Punches he could throw is the left hook over the right and right hand over the jab or throw the guard.

Burns falls out of position when he reaches for opponents when they back up. Mitchell could well go from pressing the action to moving off and waiting on Burns. I think that would be smart if he's done some good work inside.

-Angles: Burns biggest wins are against Martinez and Katsidis both pressure fighters who don't utilize angles.

Katsidis tries but normally reverts to type and starts to press in straight lines as it's more natural for him. With Mitchell he does move well especially off the back foot and with his footwork being decent he can create more angles and attack from angles rather then plodding. He can box the kid there's no doubts in my mind and i think he may want to mix it up and box from range and get Burns reaching and sometimes step in and take it to Burns inside.

Ricky has always fought tall, used his height as much as he can but he squares his shoulders up and backs up in a straight line which is something a better fighter would take advantage of.

-Inside/Outside: As i mentioned he has to mix it up, Burns fights tall on the ropes and that's where Mitchell can have success if he can get Burns to back up which isn't to hard IMO he can force Burns into his full guard shell and work the body which is open.

Problem with Katsidis was he got Burns to ropes then just hooked, Mitchell needs to work body like Katsidis but also prize open angles and even at times step off him and draw the lead of Burns off the ropes. Again Mitchell has to be smart in these positions..

I know many feel Mitchell needs to just pressure Burns and sit on his chest. Not for me i think he needs to do this smartly. Burns makes mistakes when a fighters move out of range he often reaches and i think Mitchell could well do with moving away from Burns and countering and then at times stepping inside and beating him with the shorter punches. It's going to be hard for Mitchell to solely press the fight as he's reverted to a boxpuncher who operates off back foot.

Now for the Champion Ricky Burns

-Ring General: Ricky has to gain control early, get the fans going use the energy to boost him but also knock Mitchell mentally. Gain control of centre ring and move laterally and working at own pace whilst keeping aware of Mitchell's counters.

-Body Work: Burns is a excellent body puncher and with Mitchell's heavy drinking habits damaging body, Burns could do very well if he took it downstairs with his hooks especially the left hook to body. Eye catching shots for a big man and also hurtful and Mitchell is open to body when fighting centre ring as he holds right elbow slightly high which Burns can get under and drop some pain in there.

-Jab: Burns does all his best work off the jab, Mitchell holds a loose compared to many British fighters as he likes to counter more then block and slip. Ricky really needs to find his range early and get behind the jab and keep Mitchell off balance and knock the fight out of the East End man. Won't be easy Mitchell moves well and does feint and slip quite well to his credit.

I feel this is a closer fight then many feel, Burns although impressive against Martinez,Katsidis and Moses does make mistakes and this is a different type of stylistic match up IMO. I feel Mitchell's ability to punch on the move and variety and growing into weight will surprise many as he boxes with Burns and then presses the action in hope that he can become a world champion.

The closer this fight gets the more i watch the more i tend to lean towards Mitchell who i feel can expose some of Ricky's mistakes and looking at him physically he seems for first time ever to of grown into the weight and i do feel his left hook may be the key to this fight.

I think it's going to be a thriller, may the best man win. I'm for once not sitting on fence and not going with the masses and going for the Dagenham native to win his first world title.

Disagree? Well get your keys to victory up and your reasons why? :good.

 

Thanks Mate :good. I agree i think he can set traps and as you say you don't just want to plod in and go to war with Burns because he'll just break you down to body. Got to give Burns angles and move around him which causes him to reset.

 

Good stuff BB, You still going for stoppage win for Burns?.

 

Good points BB, I think personally Mitchell will last the course but Burns does dig well to body and it could well take Mitchell out.

Going to be interesting stuff on many levels tomorrow. Looking forward to it :yep.