Jorge Linares-Kevin Mitchell Mandatory Clash Looms

By Steve Kim

After his impressive eighth round stoppage of Daniel Estrada on January 31st, Kevin Mitchell (39-2, 29KOs) is in line to fight for the WBC lightweight title, which is currently held by Jorge Linares (38-3, 25KOs). Two the sides have been in negotiations. Mitchell is promoted by Matchroom Boxing led by Eddie Hearn and Linares is represented by Golden Boy Promotions.

Robert Diaz, matchmaker for Golden Boy told BoxingScene.com on Friday morning - "We're going back and forth, right now we have till Monday because Tuesday is the purse bid."

Should this fight go to purse bid, this fight must take place within 90 days.

"We're looking at May," said Diaz.

Linares won the vacant WBC title on December 30th by stopping Javier Prieto in four rounds in Tokyo, Japan.

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.