BoxRec

I don't think the knee will be a problem for him, He's had 6 fights since boxing 72 rounds.

I haven't heard him complain of any serious knee problems from any of those. I think the biggest problem he'll have is taking punches from Tszyu.

What he says is true.

I think the knee'll be a problem all of a sudden when he starts tasting those Russian right-handers.

He'll 'kneed' all the excuses he can get if he loses.

Don't think he will, though.

I always think that it's a little bit of a warning sign when a fighter starts to say things like he's "not 100%" before such a big fight. He hasn't mentioned his knee for so long, which gives me the impression that it hasn't really been giving him much trouble recently. Which in turn makes it seem like it's purely a psychological problem now, and he's preparing the excuses already, in case the fight doesn't go according to plan.

Yes, but what was the context?

Thank God we've got a real fight next weekend.
I've always favoured Tszyu big in a rematch, but maybe Mitchell has more left these days? They've both been around forever, but the Russian Aussie has that long amateur career too...and he doesn't fight too often lately.

I think that the fight is decided by what Tszyu has left after such a long lay-off. Because we've seen so little of him recently, it's impossible to judge how the fight's going to go. If the fighter he was three or four years ago turns up, then he'll beat Mitchell convincingly. If he's only even the slightest bit rusty, then it'll be a tough night.

Aaaaaaarrrgghhh............i give up. I can't analyse this fight. It's a 50/50 match. They're both old men, who are partial to long breaks. I've no idea who'll win, which, at the very least, makes it much more appealing than tonights jolly japes.

if mitchell uses his brains he will win. i think he will use his brains.

Tszyu is soundind confident.

In an amazing turnaround, Kostya Tszyu expects to have the majority of crowd support for his super-lightweight world title defence against Sharmba Mitchell in Phoenix next weekend, which has attracted unprecedented interest from the American media.

Tszyu was very much the villain on the only previous occasion he fought in the Arizona capital in July 2000. Up against Julio Cesar Chavez he faced a hostile crowd, many of them from the local Hispanic community who idolised the Mexican legend.

Tszyu was rushed out of the arena after enraged fans displayed their disapproval of his sixth-round stoppage win by throwing objects into the ring.

Such a reaction would hardly bode well for his prospects of enjoying widespread support - especially against an American opponent - but Tszyu believes otherwise.

"I think the majority of the crowd is going to be on my side because last time I fought here I won the crowd for beating their hero," Tszyu told The Sun-Herald. "That's the reason why I believe the majority of Mexican people will support me."

Team Tszyu's security chief Glen Jennings agreed.

"The few times we've gone out for dinner, there hasn't been a night yet where people haven't recognised, acknowledged, clapped and welcomed Kostya," Jennings said. "It's been four years since we were here and he's obviously left an indelible mark on the people of Arizona, because they've all taken him under their wing. I firmly believe that we'll have the crowd support on the night."

Tszyu's absence appears to have made the hearts of American boxing reporters grow fonder of the pig-tailed pugilist, whose previous fight in the US was against Ben Tackie in Las Vegas in May of 2002. They had previously adopted an ambivalent attitude to Tszyu, especially because he steadfastly refused to engage in the trash-talking duels that form a regular part of the build-up to big fights in that country. However, this time his camp has been inundated with interview requests.

"I couldn't tell you the amount we've had to cancel," Jennings said. "I can't recall it being at this level for the first week in. The reality is we're here to do business and we've got to keep Kostya focused."

Many of the media questions and doubts about Tszyu relate to his 22-month layoff between fights. However, the sceptics who believe the hiatus will count against him may not realise how hard the Russian-born Australian has worked back home. "They probably don't know. Do I need to tell them?" Tszyu joked.

He has based himself at the Phoenix Central gym where former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson often trains. He will spar a couple more times this week against Damian Fuller, who worked with him in Australia, and fellow American Derrick Samuels, who Tszyu believes is even faster than Mitchell.

Inevitably, Tszyu's dedication to his profession entails sacrifices. His eldest child, Timophey, celebrates his 10th birthday back in Australia later this week.

Ask Tszyu what the key is to winning the fight against Mitchell and he delivers a typically succinct answer, one that reiterates his commitment to the mental as well as physical mastery of his opponent.

"What it is going to take to win this fight is big pressure and my brains," he said.

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/ ... click=true

Well at least the excuses are in place before the fight, call me an old sceptic but expect the knee to be a factor should Mitchell be sick of tasting Tszyu's right hands.

Anyway is this fight being shown on SKY? Or maybe on the BBC's insomniac's Sunday series?

steve689 wrote:Anyway is this fight being shown on SKY?

Delayed but yes. :)


Sun, Nov 7
IBF Light-welterweight title
Kostya Tszyu v Sharmba Mitchell SS2 09.00

I've been thinking this over, and I really think Tszyu is going to win. Too much of a fighter for Mitchell.

Tszyu TKO 10

Joan Guzman vs Marcus Licona's on the undercard, Sky better show it.

This is a hard fight to pick.

I lean towards Zoo but Mitchell seems determined to win and has been keeping himself busy while waiting for this fight to happen.

I think they will both have early success keeping it a close fight with Zoo maybe getting a late stoppage or getting the decision.

I think maybe a £10 bet on a draw might be worthwhile.

Lefthookhappy19 wrote:Joan Guzman vs Marcus Licona's on the undercard, Sky better show it.

They probably will, think it's a 2 hour show. Guzman is a real monster, one of the most vicious punchers we've seen in a long time. The Mexican looks tough ( distance with Larios ) but I think Guzman stops him around 8.

no way tsyzu gets out of the first round, boys.

Yes makes harrison fight look like a 75 ROUNDER

Expect fireworks early, For Zoo to capitalize mentally he has to hit hard and hit hard early, forcing Mitchell to back up and lose the mind games, he's already showing cracks

On the other hand Zoo being a notorious slow starter Mitchell has to win the early rounds and expect a distance fight, he needs to win the early rounds or go for a quick ko, either way he cannot afford to let Zoo get the rythym going.

Zoo hits to hard and personally i think when he lands it wil shake Mitchell to the bones and he'll look for a way out just like last time.

On the other hand if Mitchell can start quick and win the early rounds before Zoo settles , then get on his bike he could sneak it in ,

All in all who wins I favor Zoo, but who knows, this is what makes such an intriging match up.

This is what the boxing game is all about and this is what packs houses , and british promoters have to learn the public LOVE a 50-50 fight ,two 6 rnd boys will bring the house down and pack em in if its 50-50

MightyWarrior wrote:

Lefthookhappy19 wrote:Joan Guzman vs Marcus Licona's on the undercard, Sky better show it.

They probably will, think it's a 2 hour show. Guzman is a real monster, one of the most vicious punchers we've seen in a long time. The Mexican looks tough ( distance with Larios ) but I think Guzman stops him around 8.

Great. It appears the fights off. I think Guzmans still fighting but don't know about the opponent. Licona woulda probably lasted for a while too.

its a hour and 30 minutes show.