By Terence Dooley

A source close to former British super-feather champion Kevin Mitchell has indicated that the London-based boxer could be on the brink of retirement after failing to agree terms for a fight against John Murray.  Mitchell has not fought since losing in three rounds to Michael Katsidis for the WBO interim lightweight title at Upton Park, London last May.  A source close to Mitchell has told the BBC that the 31-1 (23) fighter may have to hang up his gloves if he is not offered a higher purse.

"Kevin is tied in to a five-fight deal with Frank Warren, which means he can't go and box elsewhere. He won't accept the fight unless the money is dramatically improved, which could leave him with nowhere to go.  If he doesn't take the fight then he faces the prospect of having to hang up his gloves while he's still in his prime," revealed the source.

There were persistent rumours that the 26-year-old wanted to squeeze in a warm up fight before taking on Murray.  However, fighters who have gone beyond thirty contests and have boxed for titles seldom dip down the ranks for four and six rounders.  It is conceivable that, should Kevin have been offered an interim fight, the boxer would have found it hard to get motivated, a showdown with Murray would provide ample motivation yet appears to be disappearing over the horizon.

For his part, Warren insists that he has made Mitchell a good offer, Mitchell's source places the amount at roughly half of what Mitchell received for the Katsidis bout, therefore the sum offered for a Murray contest should be around the £30,000 mark.  Alas, there is every indication that neither side is willing to budge from their valuations.

"Kevin's been offered terms, and turned the fight down despite asking me to make the fight," insists Warren.  "If he wants to fight, the contract is there.  The terms are over and above what was offered in his contract signed last year.  Personally, I am disappointed to hear that he is considering retirement."

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