By Terence Dooley
Sources indicate that London's Kevin Mitchell could be in line to face Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera on the undercard of David Haye versus Dereck Chisora at Upton Park on July 14. The representatives of both boxers are rumoured to be negotiating a meeting between Mitchell, 33-1 (24), and the three weight world champion, who holds a 67-7 (44) record.
Barrera holds victories over Erik Morales, Naseem Hamed and Johnny Tapia. The 38-year-old recently took part in a speaking tour of the U.K.; he also fought over here when losing to Amir Khan by a fifth-round technical decision in 2009 and beating Paul Lloyd in a single stanza in 1999. Although inactive in recent times, "The Baby Faced Assassin" registered wins in 2010 and 2011 over Adailton De Jesus and Jose Arias respectively. Although he has yet to open his 2012 account, Barrera is said to be seriously considering the Mitchell job.
Mitchell had hoped to fight WBO lightweight boss Ricky Burns on the July bill. The lack of a Burns night for "Mighty" could pave the way for a meeting with Barrera as Mitchell seeks to move towards world title contention in the lightweight division. Mitchell took away John Murray's unbeaten record last July in a FOTY candidate and boxed his way to a ten-round decision win over Felix Lora in February.
Indeed, the 28-year-old has stated his desire for big fights and rapid career development in coming years after losing out on a chance to travel to the U.S.A. for a WBA lightweight title challenge against Brandon Rios last December due to fears that Mitchell's past brushes with the law would impact on his ability to obtain a U.S. Visa. A meeting with Barrera, albeit a badly faded Barrera, could help Mitchell gain the name recognition needed to mount a world title bid.
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